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Massachussetts State Assembly Welcomes President Ghoukasian.
Reps. Koutoujian and Kaprielian initiate a pioneer
resolution in recognition of Artsakh's achievements
PRESS RELEASE
December 16, 2004
WASHINGTON, DC — On the first day of President
Arkady Ghoukasian's visit to the United States last month, the Massachusetts
State Assembly adopted a resolution in support of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic (Artsakh), honoring the NKR President.
The resolution was presented to President Ghoukasian
on November 13, 2004 by State House members Peter Koutoujian and Rachel
Kaprielian during a public event at the Armenian Library and Museum
in Watertown, Massachusetts, organized by the Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
"We feel strongly about supporting Artsakh and
recognizing its achievements in democracy building and economic development.
It goes without saying that the freedom-loving people of Artsakh deserve
a continued and stronger American support," said Koutoujian and
Kaprielian.
Proposed by Representatives Peter Koutoujian and Rachel
Kaprielian and signed by Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, the resolution is
a first-ever legislation passed by any U.S. state in recognition of
Nagorno Karabakh Republic's achievements in democracy building, economic
development and contribution to regional stability.
"I thank Speaker DiMasi and State Representatives
Koutoujian and Kaprielian for their support. This resolution is a very
important statement of recognition for Artsakh. We deeply appreciate
Koutoujian's and Kaprielian's leadership in spearheading this effort
to raise greater awareness of Artsakh in the State of Massachusetts
and the United States in general," said Vardan Barseghian, Nagorno
Karabakh's Representative in the United States.
The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the
United States is based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government,
academia and the public representing the official policies and interests
of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.
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The full text of the resolution
appears below.
| HONORING
THE PRESIDENT
OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC (ARTSAKH)
H.E. ARKADY GHOUKASIAN.
WHEREAS, We welcome the President of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) H.E. Arkady Ghoukasian's visit
to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, For over 16 years the brave people
of Karabakh have been successful in defending their land and their
freedom and now they are building a democratic state; and
WHEREAS, Since the cease-fire agreement (May
of 1994) among Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia, Karabakh
has made a serious progress in recovering from devastating consequences
of Azerbaijani military aggression; and
WHEREAS, We support the position of the Nagorno
Karabakh people and government to reach a comprehensive and long
lasting resolution of the conflict with Azerbaijan through peaceful
negotiations, reflecting the will of the people of Karabakh to
live in freedom; and
WHEREAS, We support initiatives aimed at
building trust among the parties to the conflict, especially between
Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh; and
WHEREAS, Democratic and economic reforms
undertaken in Karabakh have built a foundation for strengthening
democratic institutions and a continued economic development;
Karabakh was able to create favorable conditions for direct foreign
investments; and
WHEREAS, Understanding the importance of
modern road infrastructure for further economic development of
Karabakh, the State House encourages active participation of Armenian-Americans
in the upcoming Armenia Fund Telethon for the completion of the
North-South Highway in Karabakh; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Massachusetts house of
representatives JOINS IN WELCOMING THE PRESIDENT OF THE NAGORNO
KARABAKH REPUBLIC (ARTSAKH) H.E. ARKADY GHOUKASIAN with which
We share the universal values of freedom, democracy and justice
WHICH create a strong foundation for continued and expanded friendship
between the peoples of the United States and Artsakh; and be it
further
RESOLVED, that a copy of these resolutions
be forwarded by the Clerk of the House of Representatives to the
President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) H.E. Arkady
Ghoukasian.
Signed by Speaker Salvatore DiMasi
November 12, 2004 |
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This material is distributed by
the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the USA on behalf of
the Government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered
with the U.S. Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional
information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.
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