Reps. Frank Pallone and Mark Kirk Join Call for ‘Formal Recognition of Artsakh’s Independence’
WASHINGTON—Congressional Armenian Caucus co-chairs Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) denounced Azerbaijan’s latest violation of its ceasefire accord with Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh), which left two dead and several wounded, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
The Azerbaijani attack came just days before the 19th anniversary of Karabagh’s independence, celebrated on Sept. 2. On June 18, a similar attack by Azerbaijan, again in the Mardakert region, claimed the lives of five soldiers, making it the worst ceasefire violation in recent memory.
“These provocations by the armed forces of Azerbaijan can not be allowed to continue and I condemn them in the strongest terms,” noted Rep. Pallone, in a statement released on Sept. 3. “I have long been advocating for restricting military aid to Azerbaijan and their recent actions only confirm why the U.S. can not allow our resources be used to provoke regional instability.” Rep. Mark Kirk concurred, noting, “Azerbaijan’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the region must not go unnoticed by the international community and U.S. policymakers. As Baku escalates tensions in Nagorno-Karabagh, I strongly urge Secretary Clinton to support additional restrictions on military assistance to Azerbaijan.”
“The Obama Administration’s failure to clearly condemn Azerbaijan’s attacks and threats of war against Nagorno-Karabagh have only emboldened the Aliyev regime to escalate cease fire violations and further jeopardize peace negotiations,” stated ANCA executive director Aram Hamparian. “We look to Secretary Clinton and the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair Robert Bradtke to issue a strong statement against Azerbaijan’s latest breach of the cease-fire and take immediate action to ensure U.S. military assistance is not being used against the people of Nagorno-Karabagh.”
In a recent letter, Pallone and Kirk congratulated Karabagh President Bako Sahakyan on the 19th anniversary of Karabagh’s independence, stating, “For the past 19 years, Artsakh has firmly demonstrated its commitment to democratic values and has proven to be a reliable partner to the international community. We strongly commend your meaningful contribution to regional stability and remain committed to supporting the restoration of Artsakh’s economy, strengthening its democracy, and promoting continued development and prosperity of your Republic.”
The full text of the letter is provided below.
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Aug. 27, 2010
H.E. Bako Sahakyan
President of the Nagomo Karabakh Republic
20th February Street, 3
Stepanakert, NKR
Dear President Sahakyan:
As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, we are writing to congratulate you and the people of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic (Artsakh) on the 19th anniversary of Independence. This historic day represents an important milestone in Artsakh’s struggle for freedom. On Sept. 2, 1991 the people of Artsakh declared their intention to build a free and democratic state, and have since achieved admirable progress in this mission.
For the past 19 years, Artsakh has firmly demonstrated its commitment to democratic values and has proven to be a reliable partner to the international community. We strongly commend your meaningful contribution to regional stability and remain committed to supporting the restoration of Artsakh’s economy, strengthening its democracy, and promoting continued development and prosperity of your Republic.
We will continue to join you in the call for formal recognition of Artsakh’s independence and look forward to the day when your Republic assumes its rightful place in the community of nations.
Sincerely,
FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress
MARK STEVEN KIRK
Member of Congress
To all governments and e who are members in The UN organization, Please come over to ARTSAKH (Garabagh)and see with you own eyes and be a part of the democracy that the people of Garabagh has built for passed nineteens years and still is continuing to build, come over and enjoy the real life of a people that wants you recognition to take its place,beside you and share its responsibilities to build a safe world for the future generations, PLEASE come over and see the real institutions of a government that has to be recognized.Thank you.
Time to go over the border and murder a few Azeries so they understand that any confrontation will be dealt with harshly. Unfortunately the Sarkisian clan only cares about stealing from the public and lining his own pockets. Money and weaponary are the only two things that will guarantee Armenia and Karabagh’s security. Why the Armenians even continue the peace talks is beyond me. Armenian should stop them immediately, recognize Karabagh and declare that if Azerbajan wants Karabagh to “come get it” knowing full well that baku, the Aliyev kingship and the oil pipe line will be in jeapordy. Where are your balls Sarkisian? Whats the matter, only tough on innocent Armenians?