CA/USA Assembly panel passes resolution on Artsakh independence

[MosJan]

California Assembly panel passes resolution on Artsakh independence
California Assembly panel passes resolution on Artsakh independence
May 6, 2014 - 09:13 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The California State Assembly Rules Committee on Monday, May 5, cast a historic vote supporting and encouraging Artsakh’s (Nagorno Karabakh) continuing efforts to develop as a free and independent nation, and urging the President and Congress of the United States to support the self-determination and democratic independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region.

AJR (Assembly Joint Resolution) 32, introduced by Assemblymember Mike Gatto, was adopted by a vote of 9 yes, 1 no, and 1 member who did not vote and will now move to the full Assembly floor for a vote scheduled for May 8, 2014.

“We are grateful to Assemblymember Mike Gatto for introducing this important resolution calling on the state of California to take a moral stand in line with American ideals of self-determination and freedom by recognizing the independence of Artsakh,” states ANCA-WR Chair, Nora Hovsepian, who offered testimony in support of the resolution at the committee hearing. “We look forward to California joining the States of Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts and Louisiana in supporting the righteous quest of our brethren in Artsakh for a life of peace and prosperity on their ancestral lands.”

AJR 32 lead author, Assemblymember Gatto was joined by Co-Author Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian (R-CA), Assemblymembers Adrin Nazarian (D-CA), Scott Wilk (R-CA) and Cheryl Brown (D-CA) in offering testimony in support of the measure. Joining Hovsepian in testifying on behalf of California’s over 1 million Armenian American community were Alina Nalbantyan, who hails from the Shahoumian region of Artsakh, and Sevak Khatchatourian from the Armenian Council of America.

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) has been instrumental in the passage of AJR 32, working closely with Assemblymember Mike Gatto and the Rules Committee to ensure a sound understanding of the facts. “It has been my privilege to work with the leaders of the local Armenian American community and their outstanding representatives on this important resolution,” said Gatto. The ANCA-WR launched an action alert on this resolution and in a matter of a few days, Armenian-Americans from all parts of California contacted their representatives on the Rules Committee urging their members to vote in favor of AJR 32, in support of the Republic of Artakh’s independence. More than 2,500 letters were sent to the members of the Rules Committee.

California is home to tens of thousands of Armenian-Americans who are refugees of pogroms against Armenians in Sumgait (1988), Kirovabad (1988), and Baku (1990), and the ethnic-cleansing of the Armenian population of Azerbaijan.

“I stand with the freedom loving people of Artsakh in support of AJR 32. We will continue to speak out until Artsakh is free,” stated Assemblymember Scott Wilk who set the record straight during the hearing and refuted the fallacies presented by the Azeri lobby.

Since declaring independence in 1991, Artsakh has successfully conducted five parliamentary and five presidential elections that have been praised by international observers as free, fair and transparent. The most recent presidential election held in July 2012 was favorably received by more than 80 international observers from two dozen countries, including the United States. Election observers included the former Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch and Canadian Parliamentarian Jim Karygianni.

[Yervant1]

POLITICAL SCIENTIST: CALIFORNIAN VOTE FOR NAGORNO-KARABAKH'S INDEPENDENCE PROVES THAT ARMENIAN LOBBY IS STRONG

by Nana Martirosyan

Wednesday, May 7, 10:07

The California State Assembly Rules Committee's vote in support of
Nagorno-Karabakh's independence has proved that the US Armenian lobby
is strong, member of Karabakh Committee Ashot Manucharyan told ArmInfo
on Tuesday.

He said that this resolution may have been encouraged by the White
House. "There would be no such resolution, if the White House had
a drastically different position on the matter. So, this is a good
step towards Nagorno-Karabakh's recognition. The same policy is being
applied on the Armenian Genocide: some states have recognized it but
the White House has not," Manucharyan said.

He believes that the Azeri authorities are trying to reduce the United
State's influence on them. "Aliyev's demand that US Co-chair of the
OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick be recalled is part of the fight between
the Azeri President's clan and the United States. On the other hand,
the United States' decisions on Nagorno-Karabakh are part of its
regional rivalry with Russia. The Americans are trying to leave the
Russians no room for maneuver and are using Nagorno-Karabakh as a
lever to pressure both Armenia and Azerbaijan," Manucharyan said.

The California State Assembly Rules Committee on Monday cast a historic
vote supporting and encouraging Artsakh's (Nagorno-Karabakh) continuing
efforts to develop as a free and independent nation, and urging the
President and Congress of the United States to support the self-
determination and democratic independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic. Earlier, Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President
for Nagorno-Karabakh Araz Azmov blamed the U.S.

Co- Chair James Warlick for close ties with the Armenian Diaspora in
the United States and raised the issue of Warlick's possible recall.

http://www.arminfo.am/index.cfm?objectid=3F4E2AC0-D5AE-11E3-97420EB7C0D21663

[Yervant1]

Capitol Alert: California Assembly calls for Nagorno-Karabakh Republic

BY JEREMY B. WHITE

Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/05/08/3916420/capitol-alert-california-assembly.html#storylink=cpy

In another foray into international politics, the California Assembly passed a resolution calling for the independence of an Armenian-dominated enclave in Azerbaijan.

Calling the Azerbaijani borders that encompass the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region an example of a country "improperly drawn by Stalin," Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, urged the Assembly to take a stand despite its lack of authority to set or enforce foreign policy. He drew a parallel to resolutions condemning apartheid in South Africa or the treatment of gays and lesbians in Russia.

"California can on issues of relevance to our constituents and, on issues of moral clarity, continue to be a thought leader that seeks to motivate change," Gatto said.

Many lawmakers invoked lofty ideals of freedom and self-determination. Others delved into their personal relationship to the issue.

"This is one of those issues, probably one of the hallmark issues, that's led me to want to serve in public service and to be here," said Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian, D-Burbank, describing how his grandparents were forced to flee the region Armenians call Artsakh. "This has been the tormented history," Nazarian added, "of a group of people who have been very determined to pursue their freedom."

Assembly Joint Resolution 32 passed on a 70-1 vote, with only Assemblyman Rocky Chávez, R-Oceanside, dissenting. Armenian visitors in the gallery applauded loudly after that measure advanced. Gatto then introduced the Armenian deputy counsel general on the Assembly floor, also prompting an ovation.

Read more here: http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/05/08/3916420/capitol-alert-california-assembly.html#storylink=cpy

[MosJan]

California Assembly urges U.S. leader to back Karabakh independence
California Assembly urges U.S. leader to back Karabakh independence
May 10, 2014 - 15:37 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Assembly and the Senate of the State of California issued a resolution urging the President and Congress of the United States to support the self-determination and democratic independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

The joint resolution says, “WHEREAS, Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, has historically been Armenian territory, populated by an overwhelming majority of Armenians, and yet was illegally severed from Armenia by the Soviet Union in 1921 and placed under the newly created Soviet Azerbaijani administration; and

WHEREAS, February 20, 1988, marked the beginning of the national liberation movement in Nagorno-Karabakh, which inspired people throughout the Soviet Union to stand up against tyranny for their rights and freedoms, helping to bring democracy to millions and contributing to world peace; and

WHEREAS, The United States Congress has repeatedly expressed support for the legitimate aspirations for freedom of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, and on September 2, 1991, in accordance with its enacted law, the legislature of Nagorno-Karabakh declared formation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; and

WHEREAS, On December 10, 1991, the people of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic voted in favor of independence, and on January 6, 1992, the democratically elected legislature of the republic formally declared independence; and

WHEREAS, Since proclaiming independence, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic has registered significant progress in democracy building, which was most recently demonstrated during the July 19, 2012, presidential elections that were assessed by international observers as free and transparent; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly and the Senate of the State of California, jointly,

That the Legislature of California hereby encourages and supports the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s continuing efforts to develop as a free and independent nation in order to guarantee its citizens those rights inherent in a free and independent society; and be it further

Resolved, That the California State Legislature 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 with the international community’s efforts to reach a just and lasting solution to security issues in that strategically important region; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, to the Majority Leader of the Senate, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to each member of the California delegation to the Congress of the United States, and to the Secretary of State of California.”

[Yervant1]

14:13 27/08/2014 » POLITICS

California Senate to vote on resolution recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh independence

The California State Senate will vote on a resolution supporting Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence on August 27, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
“Please take a moment to write to your CA Senator asking them to support full Senate passage of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Resolution (AJR 32), which encourages and supports the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh's continuing efforts to develop as a free and independent nation,” ANCA says.
On May 8, 2014, the CA Assembly passed the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic legislation by a resounding vote of 72-1. This was the first time such a measure was adopted in the history of the CA Legislature. The resolution has now moved to the CA State Senate for consideration.

Source: Panorama.am

[Yervant1]

16:37 28/08/2014 » POLITICS

Nalbandian’s statement on California Senate resolution recognizing Independence of Artsakh

“We welcome the resolution of California Senate on recognition of Independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic,” Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said in a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry’s press service reports.
“The more Azerbaijan continues to undermine the efforts of Armenia and the international community aimed at the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the more new decisions and resolutions can be expected paving the way towards the international recognition of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh,” Nalbandian said.

Source: Panorama.am

[Yervant1]

California Senate recognition of Karabakh is significant event for Armenians

13:08, 28.08.2014


STEPANAKERT. - The California State Senate's passing of the resolution
on the recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), or Artsakh,
is a major and significant event for all Armenians, NKR Presidential
Press Secretary Davit Babayan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

In Babayan's words, NKR, Armenia, and the Armenian diaspora have been
making long efforts to achieve Karabakh's international recognition.

"The California Senate's passing of the resolution means that this
[uS] state has finally accepted the independence of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. This is very symbolic; California
recognized Karabakh's independence on the eve of September 2, the day
of the declaration of NKR's independence. This is a gift from the
residents of California to the people of Artsakh," he stated.

Babayan also noted that the passing of this resolution has introduced
a new quality to the process of NKR's international recognition, since
the US State of California is comparable to the world's largest
countries in terms of economic and demographic aspects.

"It can be said that one of the world's major countries has accepted
Karabakh's independence. This fact is a new impetus and opportunity
from the viewpoint of expanding the geographical scope of the
recognition of NKR's independence," he noted.

The NKR presidential spokesperson also expressed a view that the
recognition of NKR's independence reflects the fact that Karabakh is
an established democratic state.

As reported earlier, the California State Senate on Wednesday passed,
by an overwhelming majority of votes, Assembly member Mike Gatto's
resolution (AJR 32) on the recognition of the independence and
self-determination of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), or Artsakh.

AJR 32 encourages Artsakh's continuing efforts to develop as a free
and independent nation and formally calls upon the President and
Congress of the United States to support the self-determination and
democratic independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.


http://news.am/eng/news/225983.html

[Yervant1]

Haykakan Zhamanak: US considers Karabakh recognition on federal
government's level?

10:30 * 29.08.14


The recent escalations along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border have
reportedly caused the US political circles to consider the possibility
of achieving Nagorno-Karabakh's recognition by the Federal Government.


Citing its sources at the Foreign Ministry, the paper says that that
the political elite has based its calculation on the fact that that
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev may decide on an attack against
Karabakh only in case of having approval by President Vladimir Putin
of Russia. Hence the war would signal a geopolitical conspiracy
against the US, with the recognition of the second Armenia republic
being the only effective means of counteraction (similar to the way
Russia recognize the Georgian breakaway republics of Abkhazia and
South Ossetia), according to the paper.


Armenian News - Tert.am

[Yervant1]

Commentary
Azerbaijan Calls California Resolution
On Artsakh a Mere Piece of Paper

By Harut Sassounian
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com


Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry harshly condemned the California
Legislature last week after the State Senate adopted resolution AJR 32
that =80=9Cencourages and supports the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic's
continuing efforts to develop as a free and independent nation' and
=80=9Curges the President and Congress of the United States to support
the self-determination and democratic independence of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.' The resolution also acknowledged that
Karabagh (Artsakh) `has historically been Armenian territory... and
yet was illegally severed from Armenia by the Soviet Union in 1921 and
placed under the newly created Soviet Azerbaijani administration.'
Both Houses of the California Legislature overwhelmingly supported the
Artsakh resolution -- the State Senate by a vote of 24-0 on August 27,
and the State Assembly with a vote of 72-1 on May 8. Thus, California
joins Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island in passing
such pro-Artsakh resolutions.
The actions of the California Legislature infuriated the Government of
Azerbaijan and its diplomats in the U.S. Elman Abdullayev, spokesman
of Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry, dismissed the Artsakh resolution,
calling it `nothing more than a piece of paper.' The Consul General of
Azerbaijan in Los Angeles blasted the local Armenian community, the
State of California and AJR 32. To justify his failure to block the
resolution, he alleged that California Senators received `massive
financial contributions for their election campaigns' from the
`Armenian lobby.' Forgetting that he represents one of the most
autocratic regimes in the world, the Consul General of Azerbaijan had
the audacity to lecture U.S. officials on the `serious flaw in
America's political system that needs an urgent fixing.'
Before making such baseless accusations, the Azeri Consul General
should have searched the internet to see how much money, if any, the
24 Senators who voted for the Artsakh resolution had received from
Armenian-Americans. Campaign contributions are a public record in the
United States, unlike Azerbaijan where visiting politicians are wined
and dined and sent home with stacks of cash, cans of caviar, and gold
ingots!
The Consul General also credited the passage of AJR to the `inordinate
amount of effort by the Armenian lobby in California, where around one
million Armenians reside.' The one million number is yet another
exaggeration by the Azeri diplomat who went on to falsely claim that
the Armenian `ethnic lobby' resorted to `threats, blackmail and other
means' against California Senators.
The Azeri Consul General then bragged about his efforts against AJR
32, claiming that he and his Consulate undertook a number of `serious
measures,' including `letters of protest to all Senators [and] holding
numerous meetings with them....' Despite his frantic activities, not a
single Senator voted against the Artsakh bill! Incredibly, the Consul
claims he scored a major victory because the final vote was 24-0 in
favor of Artsakh, and not 40-0, as some Senators were either absent or
abstained!
Conveniently, the Consul General forgets to mention his biggest
supporters in opposing the Artsakh bill: the powerful lobbying firms
that Azerbaijan has hired in Washington and Los Angeles, at great
expense. One of these firms, JCI Worldwide, led by Seth Jacobson, sent
to all 40 California Senators a letter signed by Rabbi Dov Newman,
Chabad of Beverlywood; Rabbi Mendy Cohen, Chabad of Sacramento; and
Rabbi Yonah Bookstein, Pico Shul. The three Rabbis told the Senators
that they `strongly oppose AJR 32.... Azerbaijan is an important ally
to Israel and Jewish people. Jews live free and protected in
Azerbaijan for thousands of years.... As Rabbis and leaders of Jewish
communities across California, we stand in solidarity with our
brothers and sisters in Azerbaijan and demand that you vote No on AJR
32.' These Rabbis clearly embarrassed themselves by sending such a
ridiculous letter, since they failed to convince a single Senator to
vote against the Artsakh resolution. Furthermore, their circulated
letter was a big waste of Azerbaijan's petrodollars, as JCI's
expensive lobbying proved to be worthless.
One wonders if Pres. Aliyev is aware that Azerbaijan's Consulate in
Los Angeles and Embassy in Washington are wasting millions of dollars
on useless lobbying firms. Do the citizens of Azerbaijan, who mostly
live in abject poverty, know that their leaders are wasting their
country's resources on political activities overseas just to counter a
`piece of paper'? Indeed, if the California Senate resolution was a
meaningless `piece of paper,' as the Azeri foreign ministry official
claims, why did Azerbaijan spend so much time, effort and money trying
to block its passage?