WASHINGTON—Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) welcomed Monday’s vote by the California State Assembly Rules Committee, which by a vote of 9 to 1 approved a resolution supporting Artsakh’s (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic) right to self-determination and independence.

 

“I have long supported a right of self-determination for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and applaud the State Assembly Rules Committee for its passage of a resolution affirming the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. I welcome the expression of support for the right of the people of Artsakh to choose their own destiny, independent from Azeri coercion, and urge the Assembly to pass the resolution without delay,” said Schiff in a statement issued Tuesday.

The California State Assembly Rules Committee on Monday cast a historic vote supporting and encouraging Artsakh’s (Nagorno Karabagh) 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 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.

AJR 32 lead author, Assembly member Gatto was joined by Co-Author Assembly member Katcho Achadjian (R-CA), Assembly members 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 Assembly member 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.