YEREVAN, ARMENIA – The President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh (NKR) today awarded the Armenian National Committee of America with the Mesrob Mashdots Medal, in recognition of the organizations’ defense of Nagorno Karabagh’s right to self-determination within secure borders.

The ANCA was among a small group of individuals and organizations that were awarded medals of appreciation by President Ghoukassian during a ceremony in Yerevan marking the 10th anniversary of Republic’s declaration of independence. The ceremony, which was held at the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic offices in Yerevan, honored individuals and organizations that have been instrumental in strengthening the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic or who played a key role in Nagorno Karabagh’s self-defense effort. The latter medals were awarded posthumously.

Ghoukassian singled out the ANCA for its efforts in advancing issues of vital importance to Nagorno Karabakh within the American political system, and in providing timely information and analysis regarding developments in the region.

“We are honored to accept this award on behalf of all those Armenian Americans who have, for more than a decade, devoted themselves to the cause of Artsakh’s defense, freedom, and growth,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “Working through and with the ANCA, our community will continue to fight for Artsakh and for the rights of its proud people to self-determination within secure borders.”

Accepting the Mesrob Mashdots medal at the request of the ANCA Board, was Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau member Vahan Hovanessian, who commented that the ceremony “proved, once again, that the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is a legitimate, self-governing states, capable of properly honoring and appreciating its victories.”

Hovanessian expressed his and his organization’s gratitude to the Karabagh leadership – the president, government, and the national assembly – “for not forgetting those individuals and organizations that spared nothing, and often surpassed their resources, to serve the liberation struggle of Karabakh.”

“Today we can all be proud that the Nagorno Karabagh Republic has, at great effort, established all the attributes of statehood and can share with its people and with Armenians around the world its appreciation, as an official government, for all those who fought for independence.”