Australia’s largest state of NSW recognises the Republic of Nagorno Ka

[Yervant1]

Australia’s largest state of NSW recognises the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh

 

 

12:47 25.10.2012

news

0

Australia, Nagorno-Karabakh

 

 

http://www.armradio.am/en/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/New-South-wales-Parliament-620x300.jpg

 

 

The Legislative Council of the New South Wales Parliament adopted a resolution recognizing the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh and the right to self-determination of its Armenian people, who declared independence from an oppressive Azerbaijan 20 years ago.

The motion, which was unanimously adopted on Thursday 25^th October, comes after many months of advocacy from the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia). It was introduced to the Chamber by the Hon. Marie Ficarra MLC, who was been a long-standing supporter of Armenian issues.

The motion acknowledges the 20^th anniversary of independence for the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, it supports the right to self-determination of its people, and it “calls on the Commonwealth Government [of Australia] to officially recognize the independence of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh and strengthen Australia’s relationship with the Nagorno Karabakh and its citizens”.

ANC Australia Executive Director Vache Kahramanian and with Communications Director Haig Kayserian were present in the Gallery to witness the successful passage of this historic motion.

“Nagorno Karabakh has been at the forefront of ANC Australia’s recent activities. Today’s result is a victory for all those who continue to remain oppressed under brutal regimes,” Kahramanian remarked.

“The NSW Parliament has always been, and continues to be, a beacon of hope in upholding human rights. We thank all members of the Legislative Council for taking a stance to uphold the basic human right to self-determination. In particular we thank Marie Ficarra for her courageous stance.”

ANC Australia Honorary Chairman, Greg Soghomonian welcomed this historic decision.

Soghomonian said: “The Republic of Nagorno Karabakh is now receiving the status it has long deserved – an independent, democratic republic. This is a significant milestone for the Armenian-Australian community and the Armenian community at large.

He added: “This motion serves as a testament to the strength of the Armenian National Committee of Australia in ensuring the representation of all issues of importance to our community.”

The full text of the motion can be read below.

1. That this House notes that 2012 marks the twentieth anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.

2. That this House:

(a) acknowledges the importance of the basic human right to self-determination and a free and a democratic society,

( b recognises the right to self-determination of all peoples including those of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh,

© notes Nagorno-Karabakh’s sustained efforts towards creating a free and democratic society through the use of legitimate parliamentary elections and its continued efforts to develop a responsible government,

(d) supports and encourages Nagorno-Karabakh’s involvement within the international community and further encourages its engagement with the international community to reach a solution to the existing regional problems to establish peace and stability,

(e) encourages peaceful relations and the continued promotion of humanitarian and economic support for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh; and

(f) calls on the Commonwealth Government to officially recognise the independence of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and strengthen Australia’s relationship with the Nagorno-Karabakh and its citizens.

Edited October 25, 2012 by Yervant1

[MosJan]

good news

[gamavor]

[Arpa]

Who will be next? Zululand?

Here is Ararat in Australia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ararat,_Victoria

[Arshak1946]

Hello Yervant1 and board members.

This is the greatest news in my life time, the door is opened , have to very hard to open other doors , so our martyers did not died for nothing.

My Best Regards To All.

[Yervant1]

Thanks Arshak!

 

 

"WESTERN WORLD IS MAKING SURE THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO LIQUIDATE DISPLAYS OF COLONIALISM WITH REGARD TO THE KARABAKH REPUBLIC," ANALYST SAYS

 

arminfo

Friday, October 26, 11:36

 

"The October 24 decision of the Upper House of the South New Wales

Parliament, Australia, is a notification for the world community

and OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs that to achieve a fair resolution of

the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict and durable peace in the conflict

zone, it is necessary to recognize the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and

the Karabakh people's right to self- determination, as well as to

shift away from the policy of double standards," David Karabekyan,

an independent analyst from Karabakh, told ArmInfo.

 

He said that the given decision is especially important for it was

adopted in the light of stagnating peace process and sharp statements

by the two parties' officials that have become more frequent after

extradition and pardon of Azerbaijani murderer Ramil Safarov. "NKR

was recognized by a state that belongs to Western civilization and was

once an English colony. Moreover, the Australian authorities 'did not

recognize the decision illegal' as analysts say. The largest state of

Australia came out for development of friendly relations with Nagorno

Karabakh. All this shows that the Western world is making sure that

it is necessary to liquidate displays of colonialism with regard to

the Karabakh republic," Karabekyan said.

 

[Yervant1]

I believe the Safarov case was a good reason for solving the ARTSAKH independence.

HRAPARAK: URUGUAY TO RECOGNIZE ARTSAKH BY LATE NOVEMBER

 

tert.am

26.10.12

 

The paper says it has learned from "well-informed sources" that Uruguay

is going to be the next after Australia's New South Wales to recognize

the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh's (Artsakh).

 

Uruguay has been long willing to make the step, but the superpowers

(Russia, and partially the US) hampered its efforts, consideringthe

measure quite early. The paper notes that the Armenian Revolutionary

Federation-Dashnaksutyun, which stands close to the problem's sources

as a pan-Armenian organization, recently addressed such possibility.

 

According to the paper, the Australian state's move marks only the

beginning of that step-by-step technology which previously applied

to the Armenian Genocide recognition efforts. Uruguay's parliament

speaker is reportedly set to visit Armenia in late November to reach

a final agreement over the issue, and later travel to Nagorno-Karabakh.

 

 

[Yervant1]

AUSTRALIAN STATE'S STEP REMARKABLE ON THE EVE OF NALBANDIAN-MAMMADYAROV MEETING

 

tert.am

26.10.12

 

Former foreign minister of Nagorno Karabakh Arman Melikyan hailed

the recognition of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic by the Australia's

largest state - New South Wales, considering it remarkable to take

place on the eve of Paris meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia

and Azerbaijan.

 

"I think in any case the formation of certain public opinion over

the issue in Australia, even on the level of the state, is important,

I hope it will be useful and will contribute to the extension of the

process of international recognition of Nagorno Karabakh," he said,

speaking to Tert.am.

 

Melikyan said he does not know whether the Australian legislation

allows international cooperation with foreign countries, but expressed

opinion that New South Wales may have that opportunity.

 

"At least on that level I consider cooperation between this state

and Artsakh [Karabakh] realistic," he said, adding that it is not

the first case. There are French and US towns which cooperate with

Stepanakert, Karabakh's capital.

 

Asked about the possible factors that made the Australian state do

it, Melikyan said they can be different. "Australia is not a state

Armenia knows much of. There may be domestic factors like the work

of the Armenian community, or certain international ones," he said.

 

"Of course there are some inner political and international factors. I

would not like to downgrade the fact but it should not be overestimated

as well. It is a positive process and the results should be used,"

he said.

 

Asked to comment on Azerbaijan's behavior, NK ex-FM said he does not

think they will come to terms with it, but they cannot do any serious

thing about it either.

[Yervant1]

OBVIOUS AND INCREDIBLE THINGS AZERBAIJAN DOES NOT WANT TO NOTICE THE OBJECTIVE PROCESSES ONGOING IN THE WORLD

 

http://artsakhtert.com/eng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=825:obvious-and-incredible-things-azerbaijan-does-not-want-to-notice-the-objective-processes-ongoing-in-the-world&catid=3:all&Itemid=4

Wednesday, 24 October 2012 14:22

 

On October 15, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Scotland's

First Minister Alex Salmond signed an agreement defining the terms

of a referendum on the secession of Scotland from the United Kingdom.

 

The document known as the "Edinburgh agreement" provides a referendum

in the fall of 2014, in which the Scotch will vote "for" or "against"

their independence.

 

This political event, though very important, can hardly be regarded

as sensational. The issue of Scotland's secession from the UK has

repeatedly risen, and the objective development of the process had

to lead logically to what happened in this mid-October. However, it

should be noted that the result of the future referendum doesn't seems

predetermined yet, as it isn't a fact that it will certainly result

in an act of secession of Scotland. The matter is that, according

to opinion polls, today only 28% of the Scotch support the idea of

independence and 53% oppose it.

 

We'll know the real results of the referendum only after two years. In

any case, the decision of the referendum will have major political

significance for the future of both the United Kingdom and Scotland.

 

And for us - in the context of the Karabakh conflict settlement -

just the fact of an agreement between London and Edinburgh on the

conduct of such a plebiscite is no less important. When similar things

happen in the world, relating, in particular, to the proclamation

and recognition of a new state, we project them voluntarily or not

to the Azerbaijani-Karabakh relations.

 

It is important to note that the Edinburgh agreement reflects the

trends of the modern world development and totally fits in with today's

process of formation of new states. If we take the same Europe, the

issue of independence of Flanders from Belgium and Catalonia from

Spain is considered. Canada has held referendums on the secession of

francophone province of Quebec. Last year, a new state of South Sudan

and earlier - Kosovo appeared on the political map of the world. I must

say, the motives of aspirations for independence are different - from

political to economic, but they are based on the desire to determine

their own future and to take full charge of their own destiny.

 

But, let's recall the Edinburgh agreement. The first thing that catches

your eye is London's respect of the Scottish people's will. "I was

always ready to express my respect to the people of Scotland: they

voted at the elections for the party that wanted to hold a referendum,

and I made the referendum a reality", said David Cameron in an

interview to BBC immediately after signing the agreement. In turn,

Alex Salmond noted that both parties to the agreement had pledged to

respect the result of the referendum, regardless of its outcome.

 

Agree that such a consensus between the political opponents on the will

of the people in the context of the relations between Nagorno-Karabakh

and Azerbaijan seems merely incredible. Azerbaijan did not display any

respect to the will of the Artsakh people expressed at the referendum

for independence and unleashed large-scale aggression to destroy the

Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Even today, after more than twenty years of

independent existence of the NKR, Azerbaijan is not going to notice the

objective processes taking place in the world and to give up its cave

psychology. Moreover, Baku considers the geopolitical shifts caused

by the tendencies of formation of new independent states as a threat

to its own expansionist policy. It is obvious that these processes

cannot bypass Nagorno-Karabakh. Let us recall the recent resolutions

of the U.S. states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts calling on the

U.S. President and Congress to recognize the independence of the NKR.

 

All this cannot but worry the Government of Azerbaijan, which is

afraid of possible international recognition of the NKR as of death.

 

Hence is the nervousness and even hysterical behavior of President

Aliyev who, in early October, again defying the historical truth and

reality, stated that "Nagorno Karabakh is an ancient Azerbaijani land

and it will be fully integrated into the state of Azerbaijan as the

land of Azerbaijan". In medicine, such behavior is called paranoia, so

it is senseless to call on Aliyev to follow the example of the British

Prime Minister and to respect the choice of the people. But, it is

worth to quote member of the U.S. House of Representatives Adam Schiff

and to address the quotation rather to the international mediators

in the process of the Karabakh conflict settlement than to Aliyev:

"It is unacceptable that the people of Artsakh - mainly Armenians and

Christians - find themselves in Aliyev's hands. Glorifying a murderer,

he and his people have shown their true nature and have provided

convincing arguments for faster recognition of the independence

of Artsakh".

 

Leonid MARTIROSSIAN Editor-in-Chief of Azat Artsakh newspaper

[Yervant1]

Armenian MP: Australian state's resolution breaks ice in Artsakh

recognition efforts

 

tert.am

22:11 - 27.10.12

 

 

The New South Wales resolution on recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh

(Artsakh) marks the start of a process which will have a remarkable

continuation, according to Ruben Hakobyan, the head of the opposition

Heritage party faction in parliament.

 

 

`Nagorno-Karabakh's recognition by the Australian state is, as a

matter of fact, the beginning of the recognition [process] whose

continuation we will witness soon,' he told Tert.am, noting that the

Armenian Genocide recognition too, was a step-by-step process

pioneered by states which were relatively free from superpowers'

influence.

 

`I am happy to note that Uruguay was the first to recognize the

Armenian Genocide in the 1960s; then came the South American states

which were relatively free from superpowers' geographic and political

influence. Australia, in this case, is beyond such influence too, so

the next [countries] to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh will be probably in

South America, etc,' he said, hailing FM Edward Nalbandyan's visits to

the those states.

 

`I think this is the goal behind the visits,' he said. `In short, the

ice broke, so we will soon witness the negotiation process.'

 

Hakobyan stressed the role of Diaspora organizations, particularly the

Armenian national committees, in the international recognition of

Nagorno-Karabakh.

 

With the resolution passed unanimously on the 25th of October, the

Legislative Council of the New South West Parliament recognized the

independence of Nagorno-Karabakh and the right of its people to

self-determination. It also called upon the Australian Government to

recognize Karabakh and strengthen the relationship with the country

and its citizens.

 

Commenting on the Australian largest state's move, the Heritage

lawmaker reiterated his stance which requires the Armenian authorities

to recognize Karabakh`We keep insisting that Armenia must recognize

Karabakh. That will speed up the process launched,' he explained.

[Yervant1]

LEVON MELIK-SHAHNAZARYAN: AZERBAIJAN WILL HAVE TO RECOGNIZE ARTSAKH SOONER OR LATER

Karen Ghazaryan

 

"Radiolur"

15:17 30.10.2012

 

The recognition of the Republic of Artsakh by the Australian State

of New South Wales is part of a chain, political scientist Levon

Melik-Shahnazaryan told a press conference today. According to him,

the recognition of Southern Sudan by Azerbaijan was another link in

that chain. According to the political scientist all this gave strong

arguments to the Armenian Foreign Minister ahead of the Paris meeting.

 

Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan does not doubt that Azerbaijan will have

to recognize the Republic of Artsakh sooner or later. He does not

share the opinion that the recognition of NKR is wrong; he does not

see any controversies from the legal point of view, either.

 

According to the political scientist, the progress in the process of

NKR recognition is a result of the coordinated policy of the Armenian

National Committees, Armenia and the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

 

Without demonstrating extra optimism Melik-Shahnazaryan said "if the

pace continues, we'll have a few more decisions on the recognition

of Artsakh in 2013."

[Yervant1]

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN: OUR ACTIONS TODAY CAN PREVENT ANOTHER GENOCIDE OF ARMENIANS IN NAGORNO KARABAKH

 

http://anc.org.au/news/Australian+Parliamentarian%3A+Our+actions+today+can+prevent+another+genocide+of+Armenians+in+Nagorno+Karabakh

MEDIA RELEASE November 20, 2012

 

The Peak Public Affairs Committee of the Armenian-Australian Community

 

NSW: The Honorable Reverend Fred Nile, a New South Wales Member of

the Legislative Council, has remained steadfast in his support of

the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh.

 

In a powerful speech delivered in the NSW Upper House, Nile pledged

his "firm support to the right to self-determination for the Republic

of Nagorno Karabakh and call upon all nations to uphold this basic

human right.

 

He said: "Our actions today can prevent another genocide of Armenians."

 

In his address, Nile also condemned a recent quote by Azeri President,

Ilham Aliyev, stating: "Our main enemies are the Armenians of the

world." Nile also touched on the pardoning by Azerbaijan of axe

murdering soldier Ramil Safarov, who brutally killed an Armenian

soldier while he was asleep during a NATO exercise.

 

On October 25th, 2012, the Legislative Council of New South Wales

adopted a unanimous motion recognising the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh

and calling on the right to self-determination of its people.

 

This historic motion was the first in Australia and the third

internationally.

 

"We are grateful to Rev. Nile for his ongoing support for Armenia,

Nagorno Karabakh, and the Armenian people. He continually upholds

and defends human rights for the betterment of mankind," remarked

ANC Australia Executive Director Vache Kahramanian.

 

The text of the statement can be read below:

 

Reverend the Hon. FRED NILE [10.17 p.m.]: I am pleased to add my

support to an issue of importance not only to the Australian Armenian

community but also to those who struggle for the basic human right of

freedom and self-determination worldwide. These points were made to

me during the recent annual Armenian gala dinner. The Armenian people

have been subjected to some of darkest chapters in modern history.

 

In 1915, as our Anzac soldiers were fighting on the shores of

Gallipoli, more than 1.5million Armenians were being massacred under

a systematic genocidal campaign by the Ottoman Empire. In the midst

of such horrific carnage Armenians rose to form the first independent

Republic of Armenia on 28 May 1918. However, this was not to last

as Armenia was swept into the vacuum of the Soviet Union. Although

the perpetrators of the Armenian genocide were never punished for

their crimes against humanity, Armenians today continue to struggle

for basic human rights in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is

located at the eastern end of the Armenian plateau.

 

Historically, this country was constituted as part of Greater Armenia

from as early as 600 BC. Although ruled by various empires throughout

history, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh-which is an ethnic Armenian

enclave-were faced with astark future when Joseph Stalin gifted

Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan on 5 July 1920. Over the next 70

years the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh faced devastation

at the hands of the Azerbaijan Soviet authorities that was akin to

the persecutions suffered by Armenians during the 1915 genocide.

 

Upon the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia

re-established itself as a republic on 21 September. However, during

these historic times the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh were facing

their darkest period.

 

After years of persecution, including massacres and pogroms,

the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh held a referendum on 10

December 1991, which resulted in adeclaration of independence. This

led to Azeri forces launching an all-out military assault against

the civilian Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, which resulted

 

in the loss of tens of thousands of innocent lives. The war, which

continued until 1994, ended when the Organization for Security and

Cooperation in Europe brokered a ceasefire agreement between Armenia

and Azerbaijan. Although the ceasefire has remained in place and the

Organization for Security and CooperationMinsk Group, which is chaired

by the United States, Russia and France, continues to negotiate for

a peaceful final settlement, Azerbaijan consistently violates the

ceasefire on almost a daily basis.

 

Between 2006 and 2011, Azerbaijani ceasefire violations along the

Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh border increased by more than 2,100 per

cent. According to the figures I have, Azerbaijan had already violated

the ceasefire regime 6,000 times during the first five months of 2012.

 

These figures indicate that Azerbaijan has nointention of resolving

this longstanding dispute peacefully. In November 2011 Radio Free

Europe reported:

 

International mediators have repeatedly called for both Armenian

and Azerbaijani forces to withdraw snipers from the area. UN

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon added his voice to those calls in a

statement issued in September 2010.

 

Armenia and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh have agreed, but

Azerbaijan continues to oppose the proposal. According to the Stockholm

International Peace Research Institute in 2012 there was an increase of

well over $2 billion a year in Azerbaijan's annual military spending

over the past decade. In October 2010 Radio Free Europe reported

the growth of military expenditure in Azerbaijan from $1.59billion

in 2010 to $3.1 billion in 2011, which is 20 times larger than the

budget ofeight years ago. Among the countries of the former Soviet

Union only Russia spendsmore money on its military.

 

In this day and age we are fortunate to live in a country like

Australia and at times wetake the basic human rights of peace

and liberty for granted. This ideal is a constant struggle for

Nagorno-Karabakh, especially when comments such as "Our main

enemies are the Armenians of the world" are made by the President of

Azerbaijan, according to his presidential website.

 

In 2004 during a North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO] Partnership

for Peace program in Budapest, Azeri Lieutenant Ramil Safarov murdered

his counterpart Armenian Lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan in his sleep by

nearly decapitating him with an axe. Safarov was eventually repatriated

to Azerbaijan and treated as a hero and promoted to the rank of

major. I give my firm support to the right to self-determination for

the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and call upon all nations to uphold

this basic human right. Our actions today can prevent another genocide

of Armenians.

[Yervant1]

Artsakh Independence-recognized NSW delegation in Armenia

http://armenpress.am/eng/news/726040/artsakh-independence-recognized-nsw-delegation-in-armenia.html
13:33, 13 July, 2013

YEREVAN, JULY 13, ARMENPRESS: The seven-member delegation of the
Australia's New South Wales Parliament is currently in Armenia.
The visit has been initiated by the Armenian National Committee of
Australia. `The key aim of the visit is to provide the parliament
members, having quite a considerable contribution to the Armenian issue,
with the opportunity to see Armenia, get acquainted with the
centuries-old Armenian culture and history and upon their return to
continue their pro-Armenian activities in Australia', - stated the
ANC Australia Executive Director Vache Kahramanian to Armenpress.

The delegation of the Australian parliamentarians, who arrived in
Armenia on July 12, will stay in Armenia for seven days and will hold
high-level meetings with the President of the Republic of Armenia
Serzh Sargsyan, the President of the National Assembly Hovik
Abrahamyan, the Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, as well as His
Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians. Issues related to the further strengthening of the
Armenian-Australian cooperation will be discussed. The ANC Australia
Executive Director Vache Kahramanian expressed his hope that the
meetings will give a new impetus to the Armenian-Australian political,
economic and cultural relations.
In May 2013 during the interview given to the SBS Radio Station
broadcast in Australia, the Member of the New South Wales Legislative
Council, Rev. Fred Nile touched upon the forthcoming visit to Armenia
and stated that `he is very excited and hopes for warm reception'.
The largest state of Australia - New South Wales - on April 17 1997
adopted a motion condemning the massacres taking place in the Ottoman
Empire, characterizing them as the first Genocide of the 20th
century. On May 1 and June 8 2013 the Parliament adopted the motions
on recognizing the genocides of the Assyrians and Greeks and the
motion on re-establishing of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

On October 25th, 2012 the Legislative Council of New South Wales
adopted a unanimous motion recognizing the Republic of Nagorno
Karabakh and calling on the right to self-determination of its
people. This historic motion was the first in Australia and the third
internationally.

[Yervant1]

AUSTRALIA'S NEW SOUTH WALES READY TO COOPERATE WITH ARTSAKH

July 17, 2013 - 14:51 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic President
Bako Sahakyan met a delegation of the Australian New South Wales state,
Wednesday, July 17.

A wide range of issues related to the development of relations between
New South Wales and Artsakh were discussed during the meeting.

The NKR President Sahakyan thanked the authorities and people of
the New South Wales state recognizing the country's independence,
adding that it was a significant step on the way to international
recognition of Artsakh and establishment of bilateral relations.

Both sides mentioned the existence of all necessary conditions for
cooperation and intention to work in this direction.

Deputy speaker of the Artsakh Republic National Assembly Arthur
Tovmasyan, NKR permanent representative in Australia Varouzhan
Iskandaryan, Australia Armenian Cause Office members and other
officials partook in the meeting, the Central Information Department
at NKR President's Office reported.

[Yervant1]

WE'LL DO EVERYTHING SO THAT OTHER AUSTRALIAN STATE PARLIAMENTS ALSO RECOGNIZE KARABAKH - NEW SOUTH WALES MP

July 17, 2013 | 14:47

STEPANAKERT. - The parliament of the Australian state of New South
Wales (NSW) is the first in the country to pass a resolution on the
recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh, and we will do everything so that
the parliaments of the country's other states likewise adopt such
resolutions.

Jonathan O'Dea, Head of the NSW Australian-Armenian Parliamentary
Friendship Group, stated the aforesaid, on Wednesday in the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) capital city Stepanakert, during a
talk with Speaker Ashot Ghulyan of NKR National Assembly (NA).

In O'Dea's words, everything needs to be done so that the other
Australian states also petition with a resolution to the country's
central authorities, calling upon them to recognize the right to
self-determination of the people of NKR.

Underscoring the peoples' right to freedom and independence, Ghulyan
noted that solely those persons and governing bodies that accurately
recognize democratic standards can take such commendable step, the
NKR NA press service informs. Expressing a hope that a long-term
partnership is expected between the two parliaments, Ashot Ghulyan
said the program on mutual contacts and cooperation will be brought
to life in a foreseeable future.

News from Armenia - NEWS.am

[Yervant1]

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS APPEAL TO TURKEY TO FACE PAST AND RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

[ Part 2.2: "Attached Text" ]

http://armenpress.am/eng/news/726670/australian-parliamentarians-appeal-to-turkey-to-face-past-and-recognize-armenian-genocide.html
11:57, 19 July, 2013

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS: In the up-to-date conditions of the
technological development and fast communication it is useless to
continue the denial policy of the Armenian Genocide. This was stated
to Armenpress by the member of the delegation of the Australia's New
South Wales Parliament Marie Ficarra, adding that instead of labeling
the actions of the Australian parliamentarians, the Turkish government
should overcome the problem with dignity.

"During the last six months the Turkish pressures upon the
Australian pro-Armenian political figures have become more
obvious. Notwithstanding that, my Australian partners, who are here
with me now, have not given way to the Turkish aggression", - said
the Australian Armenian deputy, the Minister of Transport of the New
South Wales Gladys Berejiklian.

The member of the Australia's New South Wales Parliament Frederick Nile
expressed his hope that the fact of the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide will help the Turkish government to accept the past of the
Ottoman Empire and face the truth.

The parliamentarians are of one opinion: the Turkish government
should follow the examples of Germany and Australia and apologize
for the injustices of the past. As commented on by the executives,
their aim is not to attack or blame Turkey but "the Armenian Genocide
is a historical fact that should be recognized".

The visit of the Australian parliamentarians has been initiated by the
Armenian National Committee of Australia. "The key aim of the visit
is to provide the parliament members, having quite a considerable
contribution to the Armenian issue, with the opportunity to see
Armenia, get acquainted with the centuries-old Armenian culture and
history and upon their return to continue their pro-Armenian activities
in Australia", - stated earlier the ANC Australia Executive Director
Vache Kahramanian to Armenpress.

The delegation of the Australian parliamentarians, who arrived in
Armenia on July 12, held high-level meetings with the President of the
Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, the President of the National
Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan, the Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan,
as well as His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, the President of the Artsakh Republic
Bako Sahakyan and other high ranking officials. Issues related to
the further strengthening of the Armenian-Australian cooperation
were discussed. Earlier the ANC Australia Executive Director Vache
Kahramanian expressed his hope that the meetings will give a new
impetus to the Armenian-Australian political, economic and cultural
relations.

The largest state of Australia - New South Wales - on April 17
1997 adopted a motion condemning the massacres taking place in the
Ottoman Empire, characterizing them as the first Genocide of the 20th
century. On May 1 and June 8 2013 the Parliament adopted the motions
on recognizing the genocides of the Assyrians and Greeks and the
motion on re-establishing of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

On October 25th, 2012 the Legislative Council of New South Wales
adopted a unanimous motion recognizing the Republic of Nagorno
Karabakh and calling on the right to self-determination of its
people. This historic motion was the first in Australia and the
third internationally.

[Yervant1]

AZERBAIJAN BLACKLISTS AUSTRIAN MPS OVER VISIT TO KARABAKH

July 19, 2013 - 20:14 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Baku's position on foreign citizens' visits to
Nagorno Karabakh, which have not been agreed upon with Azerbaijan,
is unchanged. Baku will continue considering them illegal, spokesman
for the Azerbaijani Foreign MinistryElman Abdullayev said, according
to Trend News.

"According to the Foreign Ministry's order, Azerbaijan's diplomatic
missions abroad urged the citizens of the countries they're accredited
to to abandon such visits," Abdullayev said.

A group of parliamentarians from Australian state of New South Wales
visited Nagorno Karabakh this week.

"Australia has repeatedly voiced its support for Azerbaijan's
territorial integrity and these actions do not reflect the country's
official position," he added.

The Azerbaijani embassy in Australia was instructed to convey Baku's
discontent to the country's leadership.

[Yervant1]

MARYLAND SUPPORTS NAGORNO KARABAKH ON ITS WAY OF DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT

11:23, 23 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The Governor of the State
of Maryland of the U.S. Martin O'Malley issued a congratulatory
address on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the independence
of the Republic of Armenia, where he touched upon Nagorno Karabakh as
well. As reports "Armenpress" citing the Press Service of the Maryland
Governor, O'Malley addressed warmest wishes to Armenia and the Armenian
people. At the same time he highly appreciated the young democracy of
Nagorno Karabakh as well as the long and strong ties with the United
States via Armenia. Among other things it was stated that Nagorno
Karabakh shares the same values with Armenia and the United States
including democracy and basic principles of selfdetermination and
human rights. In this respect the Governor underscored that Maryland
encourages those values and expresses its supports to all the peoples,
which choose liberty and democracy as their way of development.

http://armenpress.am/eng/news/733943/maryland-supports-nagorno-karabakh-on-its-way-of-democratic-development.html

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OFFICE OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC IN THE USA
1334 G St. N.W., Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: (202) 223-4330
E-mail: info@nkrusa.org
Web site: www.nkrusa.org

PRESS RELEASE
September 23, 2013


Maryland's Armenia message highlights Nagorno Karabakh's democratic aspirations


ANNAPOLIS, MD - Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley issued a proclamation on
Armenia's Independence Day that also noted Nagorno Karabakh as a "fledgling
democracy". Maryland has thus become the latest U.S. state to have publicly
expressed support for Artsakh.

The document also stressed that "Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and the United
States share the same values and believe in the fundamental principles of
freedom, democracy, self-determination and human rights."

As proclamation states, people of the State of Maryland uphold and embrace
those values and extend their support to "all those who chose to develop as
free and democratic nations."

* * *

This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
in the USA on behalf of the Government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The
NKR Office is registered with the U.S. Government under the Foreign Agent
Registration Act. Additional information is available at the Department of
Justice, Washington, D.C.

* * *

The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is based in
Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia and the public
representing the official policies and interests of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic.

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IT IS TIME TO RECOGNIZE KARABAKH AS INDEPENDENT STATE - UN EXPERT

October 05, 2013 | 12:07

STEPANAKERT. - It is time to recognize Karabakh as an independent
state, jurist member of the UN Justice Council said during the
international conference held in Stepanakert.

Justice Geoffrey Robertson Q.C., jurist member of the UN Justice
Council, said the principle that territorial integrity gives way
when a crime against humanity is committed is being elaborated in
the international law.

"Nagorno-Karabakh has all the attributes of statehood.

Nagorno-Karabakh was given to Azerbaijan as a result of historical
injustice. Under international law, Nagorno-Karabakh has a right to
statehood. There are all criteria of sovereignty in Nagorno-Karabakh,
even more than in many other states. The right of secession is granted
when the fundamental rights of the people are infringed. This nation
has a right to withdraw from the repressive state," he said, speaking
during the conference.

Recalling the final criteria of statehood were set in the Montevideo
Convention: permanent population, a defined territory; government;
and capacity to enter into relations with the other states.

Nagorno-Karabakh has all criteria to be named an independent state.

"It is time to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state,"
he resumed.

International conference titled "Artsakh's National Liberation
Struggle: From Gyulistan till our Days" was held in Stepanakert.

News from Armenia - NEWS.am

[Yervant1]

British diplomat: It's time to recognize Nagorno Karabakh as an
independent state

by Tatevik Shahunyan

ARMINFO
Saturday, October 5, 17:26


It's time to recognize Nagorno Karabakh as an independent state, said
a human rights barrister, top QC Geoffrey Robertson at an
international conference Artsakh Liberation Struggle: From Gulistan
Till Our Days that has kicked off in Stepanakert.

He said that the international legislation is developing a clause
stipulating for bypassing of the territorial integrity principle where
a crime against humanity was perpetrated. As he noted, the
international law provides a right for secession when the nation's
fundamental rights are violated. He said that Nagorno Karabakh became
part of Azerbaijan as a result of historical injustice. "It's time to
recognize Nagorno Karabakh as an independent state," he said and
recalled Monaco and Liechtenstein and even Vatican.

He recalled the final criteria of statehood set in the Montevideo
Convention: permanent population, a defined territory; government; and
capacity to enter into relations with the other states.
Nagorno-Karabakh has all criteria to be named an independent state, he
said for conclusion.

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13:08 27/11/2013 » TOPIC OF THE DAY

U.S. city of Highland recognizes NKR’s independence

On November 26, 2013, the Highland City Council, California, adopted a proclamation on establishing Sister City Relationships with the city of Berdzor, Kashatagh region, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
According to another proclamation of the City Council adopted earlier, Highland recognizes the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and urges the President and Congress of the United States to support the self-determination and democratic independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and its constructive involvement in the international community’s efforts to reach a just and lasting solution to security issues in that strategically important region, the NKR MFA press service reported.

Source: Panorama.am

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WHY WOULD U.S. RECOGNIZE NKR?

California Will Be The Fifth

On January 6 the Assembly of the State of California has received
a draft resolution calling the United States to recognize the
independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. The draft resolution has been
submitted by Mike Gatto.

California has the largest Armenian community in the United States
and it may be the fifth state which has recognized the independence
of Karabakh. Note that over the past two years Rhode Island, Maine,
Louisiana and Massachusetts have recognized NKR. Indeed, in this case
the recognition of independence of Karabakh is moral support rather
than an international legal act but for the time being it could be
a premise for the recognition of NKR by the United States.

Recognition of Karabakh is a powerful weapon that is kept in the
arsenal of most world powers. This weapon is flammable and it can be
used only once. This "one time" may be next year.

The American initiative of the Karabakh settlement continues. In this
case settlement is a relative notion because at this stage the essence
of the American initiative is to maintain the status quo and restore
communication in the region without changing the current balance
(any change of balance will lead to a war). This initiative still
succeeds in containing Russia's attempt to establish total control
in Karabakh and in the region. Status quo is unchanged, and it is
time to move on to the second part of the plan - opening of borders.

And the recognition of Karabakh is the best weapon to "ask" someone to
open a border. Ilham Aliyev has set up a whole army in Nakhidjevan. He
knows very well that he will be asked to open the border, especially
after the conciliation of the United States and Iran. And he is
preparing "arguments".

Next week the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group will meet
in Bonne with the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, the Swiss foreign
minister Didier Burkhalter. Switzerland was the facilitator of
the Armenian-Turkish negotiations and is likely to play an active
part in the Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization. These two processes
are interrelated. Turks see this interrelation in stipulating the
settlement of Karabakh for opening of the border with Armenia. But this
is not the thing that links the two processes. No doubt the West and
Iran need weaker Turkey and Azerbaijan and opening of communications
that do not depend on them. And this need will intensify by 2015.

In his New Year message Serzh Sargsyan announced that rapprochement
with the Customs union will "create a new reality in which Armenia
will be more protected and more competitive." In other words, we
delegate our security to Russia, and Moscow must react to good or bad
initiatives of the West at the recognition of NKR or the Armenian
genocide. A foreign policy on Armenia's territories is already
implemented without Armenia's direct participation. Evidence to this
is the strangely reserved reaction of the Armenian foreign ministry
to the Karabakh-related initiatives of the American states.

Naira Hayrumyan, Political Commentator 13:27 10/01/2014 Story from
Lragir.am News: http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/comments/view/31694

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CALIFORNIA MOVE: RESOLUTION ON KARABAKH RECOGNITION IN AMERICAN STATE AND REGIONAL GEOPOLITICS

Analysis | 10.01.14 | 10:37

By Naira Hayrumyan
ArmeniaNow correspondent

A resolution calling for the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh was
introduced in the parliament of California (USA) on January 6.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) joined with people of Armenian
descent around California and the world in calling for the United
States to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as a sovereign state.

Over the past two years four U.S. states, namely Rhode Island, Maine,
Louisiana and Massachusetts, have recognized Nagorno-Karabakh's
independence. Last year, California lawmakers visited Karabakh and
still then opinions were expressed that California could recognize
Karabakh's independence and call on the U.S. administration to do
the same.

The issue of Karabakh's recognition in the U.S. is getting almost the
same pace as the Armenian genocide recognition some 10-20 years ago.

The link between these two processes is obvious: Turkey does not hide
the fact that the blocking of borders with Armenia is connected with
the Karabakh conflict. In response, the U.S. states hint that the
Karabakh conflict can be resolved by way of recognition rather than
'compromise'. And these 'hints' will intensify as we approach April 24,
2015, when Armenians around the world will commemorate the centennial
of the Ottoman-era Genocide.

Armenian political analysts are not particularly optimistic about the
prospects for political recognition of the NKR. There aren't many
reasons for optimism - despite the recognition and condemnation of
the Armenian Genocide by 43 American states, the United States has
not yet officially recognized the genocide.

However, some political analysts still believe that by 2015 the United
States, as a deterrent against Turkish ambitions, may recognize both
the Armenian Genocide and Karabakh's independence. And that will
depend on the behavior of Turkey, which is currently seeing some
fermentations and where the leadership blames it on 'external forces'.

Turkish authorities claim that political scandals and unrest in
the country are inspired by billionaire Islamist Fetullah Gulen,
a U.S.-based opponent of current Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan. And co-chairman of the executive board of the Union of Kurdish
Communities Bese Hozat openly stated that structures had been set
up within Turkey that are essentially a state within a state. She
particularly mentioned the organization of Gulen, stating that in
the U.S. he is supported by the Armenian, Greek and Jewish lobbies.

Next week, the U.S., Russian and French co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group will meet with the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Foreign Minister
of Switzerland Didier Burkhalter in Bonn, Germany. A meeting of the
foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan is also due to be held
during January. This meeting is expected to discuss preparations for
the summit of the two countries' leaders. It is noteworthy that these
meetings are organized at the initiative of the United States.

Analyses assume that during the negotiations the parties will not
be discussing a final settlement of the conflict, but rather ways
of strengthening the regime of non-resumption of hostilities and
confidence-building measures. A partial opening of the border between
Armenia and Turkey and Azerbaijan for new regional communications
and energy transit projects may be among these 'confidence-building
measures'.

http://armenianow.com/commentary/analysis/51236/armenia_karabakh_recognition_azerbaijan

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Mike Gatto responds to Azerbaijani anger over resolution to recognize Karabakh

January 12, 2014 | 01:42


Assemblyman Mike Gatto responded to Azerbaijani accusations of playing
to Armenian lobbyists.

Earlier this week Mike Gatto introduced a resolution to recognize
Nagorno-Karabakh - a move that sparked anger Azerbaijani community of
U.S.

Nevertheless, Gatto is not hiding the fact that he is working with the
Armenian organizations.

`I have not hidden the fact that I've worked with three Armenian
advocacy organizations on this bill. It's not a hidden thing,'
Glendale News-Press quotes the Assemblyman.

He added that these groups stand for the rights of people of Armenian
descent that want self-determination.

`That's like saying the French were in bed with the American lobby.
It's a very Soviet attitude to say people don't have a right to
self-determination,' Gatto said. `I thought the entire world was in
accord with self-determination. The area is now in a state of detente.
The Azerbaijanis tried to take it back by force and they failed.'


News from Armenia - NEWS.am