A Joint Resolution of the Assembly of California in support for the Nagorno Karabakh Republic՝s efforts to develop as a free and independent nation

On May 8, 2014 Assembly of California adopted a joint Resolution in
support for the Nagorno Karabakh Republic՝s efforts to develop as a free
and independent nation. Below is the full text of the Resolution.

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 8 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, inli 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 the 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.