WASHINGTON, DC – Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) were joined by Representatives Rush Holt (D-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), and Michael McNulty (D-NY), last week, in speaking out in honor of the 17th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabagh liberation movement, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA.) The House Members stressed their commitment in ensuring a lasting and peaceful resolution to the Karabagh conflict.

“We join with the people of Nagorno Karabagh, Armenians around the world, and throughout the United States in thanking Representatives Frank Pallone, Joe Knollenberg, Rush Holt, Carolyn Maloney, and Michael McNulty for helping to mark the 17th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabagh liberation movement,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “In 1988, the people of Nagorno Karabagh – at great sacrifice – were the first to rise up against Soviet misrule, sparking powerful pro-democracy movements that would bring an end to the Cold War and ultimately make the United States and the entire world safer.”

In Special Order speeches organized by the Congressional Armenian Caucus, the Representatives called attention to Nagorno Karabagh’s commitment to self-determination and regional peace. In his remarks, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Frank Pallone reviewed the history of Karabagh’s efforts to end Soviet-era oppression of its citizenry. “During the seven decades of Soviet rule, the Armenians of NK repeatedly stated to each successive Soviet regime their desire to be joined against with Armenia. These peaceful and legal maneuvers were met with violent repression and forced settlement of ethnic Azeris into NK,” explained Rep. Pallone. He noted that upon the fall of the Soviet Union, the “NK population overwhelmingly voted to establish an independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic, currently known as NKR.” Noting his participation in an election-monitoring group for the Karabagh presidential elections, he praised the strengthening of democracy in the state. “This process is astounding considering that NKR is not recognized internationally; that they still must deal every day with Azeri aggression, and that their economy is still devastated from the war,” stated Pallone.

New York Democrat Carolyn Maloney remarked that “The people of Nagorno Karabakh courageously defended their right to live freely on their ancestral lands.” She went on to cite the importance of ongoing U.S. assistance to Nagorno Karabakh, “which has a vital role in achieving a peaceful and stable South Caucasus region.”

Rep. McNulty noted that “Nagorno Karabakh continues to strengthen its statehood with a democratically elected government, a capable armed forces and independent foreign policy. I stand with the people of Nagorno Karabakh in celebrating their continuing freedom and democracy.”

Rep. Holt cited the importance of finding a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Karabagh conflict. “Just as the people of Nagorno Karabakh saw the necessity of a peaceful secession from Azerbaijan seventeen years ago, so too must a peaceful resolution be achieved with this current conflict. . .The United States will continue to promote the cause of our democratic friends in Nagorno Karabakh, not yielding until the goals set forth on February 20, 1988, have been fully realized.”

Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg sent a congratulatory letter to the Karabagh President Arkady Ghoukasian, commending the Karabagh people on the 17th anniversary of the liberation movement and pledging support for continued efforts to find a lasting peace in the region.

The complete texts of the Congressional statements are provided below.

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SPEECH OF HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.
OF NEW JERSEY
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2005

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday, February 20, 2005 will mark the 17th anniversary of the modern day liberation movement of the people of the Nagorno Karabakh (NK). Seventeen years ago the people of NK petitioned the Soviet government to correct historical injustices and reunite them with their compatriots in Armenia.

The Armenians of NK were placed within the borders of Azerbaijan in 1921, as one of many ethnic groups there were separated by Joseph Stalin through his “divide and conquer” strategy. Armenians of NK were subjected to brutal Soviet Azerbaijani rule for 70 years.

It is imperative that we recognize the fact that NK’s referendum to secede from Azerbaijan in 1988 was pursuant to Soviet law. NK was already operating as an autonomous region and therefore had the right and the power to secede if they chose to.

In fact, during the seven decades of Soviet rule, the Armenians of NK repeatedly stated to each successive Soviet regime their desire to be joined again with Armenia. These peaceful and legal maneuvers were met with violent repression and forced settlement of ethnic Azeris into NK.

In 1988, when the Armenians of NK heard of the Mikhail Gorbachev’s democratization agenda, they began to again move peacefully for reunification with Armenia. At this time, the Soviet and Azeri armies would not stand even to entertain this request and immediately resorted to violence. Public expressions of determination by the Armenians of NK were met with a campaign of ethnic cleansing, deporting the Armenians of NK and Azerbaijan.

In 1991, as Armenia and Azerbaijan followed most soviet states in succession from the USSR, NK also voted to succeed. In an internationally monitored referendum, the NK population overwhelmingly voted to establish an independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic, currently known as NKR.

Following this referendum in which the country was established, the Azeri army began a full-scale war on the Armenians of NK, which took thousands of lives over 3 years, but eventually ended up with NKR repelling Azeri forces. This victory was gained with an army that was out-manned and out-gunned, but had desire and guile that proved to be overwhelming. This conflict had a terrific human cost, leaving 30,000 dead and over one million displaced. Thankfully, although small skirmishes have broken out from time to time, the peace has been kept since an agreement ceased hostilities in 1994.

Mr. Speaker, I have repeatedly come to the House floor to speak of the plight of the Armenians of NKR. I can now speak from personal experience about NKR, having traveled there. I had the opportunity to travel to NKR to witness the Presidential elections there, where we served as official monitors. I am proud to say that all election observers that participated in this historic event gave an overwhelmingly positive response. One group in particular, headed by the Baroness Cox from England stated that, “Our overall conclusion is one of congratulations to all the people of Artsakh (NKR) for the spirit in which the elections have been conducted, their commitment to the democratic process and their pride in their progress towards the establishment of civil society.”

This process is astounding considering that NKR is not recognized internationally; that they still must deal every day with Azeri aggression, and that their economy is still devastated from the war. The elections were reported to have met, if not exceeded international standards. All this just 9 short years removed from all-out war.

Congress recognized this consistent move towards democracy, granting NKR $20 million in humanitarian assistance in FY `97, an additional $5 million in FY `03 and $3 million just last year. This assistance has not just been crucial for needs of the people of NKR, but has also fostered the beginnings of an excellent relationship between our two countries.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to end with a final example of what I saw during my visit to NKR. During the elections, as I visited the capitol city and small villages alike, everyone I spoke to was incredibly excited about the prospect of voting. They viewed the vote not only as a choice of the leader of their country for the next 5 years, but a statewide referendum on the democratic process and independence of NKR.

I congratulate the people of NKR for the 17th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh Liberation movement and their incredible determination to establish a free and open democratic society.

SPEECH OF HON. RUSH D. HOLT
OF NEW JERSEY
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2005

Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of Nagorno Karabakh who began their National Freedom Movement seventeen years ago.

On February 20, 1988, the people of Nagorno Karabakh officially petitioned the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for reunification with Armenia. This region had been placed within the borders of Azerbaijan in 1921 under the rule of Stalin, even though 96 percent of the population of Nagorno Karabakh was ethnically Armenian.

The response from Azerbaijan and the former Soviet Union on this request was violent. Military attacks against Nagorno Karabakh followed, resulting in a brutal campaign of aggression largely ignored by the outside world. This did not cause the people of Nagorno Karabakh to falter, for they continued to defend their freedom.

Since declaring independence in 1991, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic has grown into an active and prosperous democracy. The first plenary sitting of the 10th session of the NKR National Assembly of the 3rd calling took place on February 9, 2005.

The people of Nagorno Karabakh should be commended for their commitment to democracy and achieving sovereignty in the face of strong opposition from neighboring nations. The United States is honored to share such fundamental values with Nagorno Karabakh as democracy, liberty, and a profound respect for human rights.

The people of the United States stand by our friends in Nagorno Karabakh in hoping for a peaceful resolution to their ongoing conflict with the Republic of Azerbaijan. Just as the people of Nagorno Karabakh saw the necessity of a peaceful secession from Azerbaijan seventeen years ago, so too must a peaceful resolution be achieved with this current conflict.

For a people who have suffered so much in pursuit of self-determination, the citizens of Nagorno Karabakh must not abandon hope for a greater future. Through their faultless commitment to democratic values and preservation of human rights, Nagorno Karabakh has made a laudable effort to achieve peace and will soon inspire its Azerbaijani neighbors to return to the peace process.

Like so many who have undergone the pains of oppression, the people of Nagorno Karabakh must rest assured knowing that democracy breeds peace. The United States will continue to promote the cause of our democratic friends in Nagorno Karabakh, not yielding until the goals set forth on February 20, 1988, have been realized in full.

SPEECH OF HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2005

Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, as proud member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, and the representative of a large and vibrant community of Armenian Americans, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the people of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) on the 17th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh Freedom Movement. On February 20, 1988, the people of Nagorno Karabakh officially petitioned the Soviet government to correct the historical injustices of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin by reuniting the area with Armenia. Six days later, one million people demonstrated in Yerevan’s Opera Square.

Unfortunately, the central Soviet and Azerbaijani leadership violently reacted to this peaceful and legal request by engaging in full military aggression against Nagorno Karabakh. The people of Nagorno Karabakh courageously defended their right to live freely on their ancestral land.

Today, Nagorno Karabakh continues to strengthen its statehood with a democratically elected government, a court system, an independent foreign policy, and a commitment to educating its citizens. I will continue to join with my colleagues in supporting assistance to Nagorno Karabakh, which has a vital role in achieving a peaceful and stable South Caucasus region. On this anniversary, I reiterate my unwavering support to Nagorno Karabakh’s freedom, democracy, and economic development.

SPEECH OF HON. MICHAEL R. McNULTY
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2005

Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, I join today with many of my colleagues in extending my congratulations to the people of Nagorno Karabakh on the anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh Freedom Movement.

On February 20, 1988, the people of Nagorno Karabakh officially petitioned the Soviet government to reunite with Armenia and reverse the injustice perpetrated by the Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin.

This peaceful and legal request was met with violent reaction by the Soviet and Azerbaijani leadership, and escalated into full military aggression against Nagorno Karabakh. The people of Nagorno Karabakh bravely defended their right to live in freedom on their ancestral land.

Today, Nagorno Karabakh continues to strengthen its statehood with a democratically elected government, a capable armed forces and independent foreign policy.

I stand with the people of Nagorno Karabakh in celebrating their continuing freedom and democracy.