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Artsakh Marks 15th Anniversary of Independence PRESS RELEASE WASHINGTON, DC – On September 2, 2006 the people of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh were joined by an ever-expanding circle of friends around the world to celebrate fifteen years of liberty, perseverance and progress in Artsakh. In 1991, after suffering from over seventy years of discrimination and oppression by Soviet Azerbaijan and the Soviet regime, the people of Artsakh boldly and fearlessly stepped up their struggle for freedom and democracy, shaking off the shackles of subjugation. The decision to establish a sovereign state came as a continuation of the national liberation movement that began immediately after Joseph Stalin's infamous and arbitrary decision to include Nagorno Karabakh within Soviet Azerbaijan in 1921. The NKR Declaration of Independence, formally adopted on September 2, 1991 at a joint session of local legislatures – Nagorno Karabakh Regional and Shahumian District Councils of Peoples Deputies, said in part: “Expressing the popular will supported by a documented referendum … striving for freedom, independence, equality and good neighborly relations … recognizing Azerbaijan's policies of apartheid and discrimination [against its] Armenian population … striving for restoration of good neighborly relations between Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples … abiding by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights … and trusting in the understanding and support of the international community … declares [the establishment of] the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.”
Fifteen years later, Artsakh is justifiably proud of its impressive achievements: successful defense of its freedom against Azerbaijani military aggression, nearly complete restoration of its war-devastated economy, continued strengthening of its democracy, unprecedented economic growth and constructive partnership with the international community to bring about lasting peace and stability to the South Caucasus.
Foreign dignitaries and friends traveled to Stepanakert to participate in the Independence Day celebrations and to express their solidarity with the people of Artsakh. In his address, NKR President Arkadi Ghukasian thanked the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora around the world for their vital, steadfast and ongoing support of Artsakh. He also thanked Artsakh's international friends and well-wishers, including elected officials, international organizations and individuals, who supported Artsakh during the most difficult years of Azerbaijan's attack and post-war reconstruction efforts.
President Ghoukasian particularly underscored the unparalleled support and commitment of the Vice-Speaker of the British House of Lords Baroness Caroline Cox. For their significant contribution to Artsakh's development, the President especially thanked benefactors Louise M. Simone, Kevork Hovnanian, Hirair Hovnanian, Vahakn Hovnanian, Albert Boyajian, Gerard Cafesjian, Eduardo Eurnekian, Vahe Karapetian, Levon Hairapetian, Ara Abrahamian and George Pagoumian.
Joining the people of Artsakh on this milestone anniversary were also the two Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Congressmen Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), who sent a joint letter to the NKR President. In their letter the Congressmen said in part, “We are writing to congratulate the people of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh, your Government, and yourself, on the 15th Anniversary of Independence. This historic anniversary represents an important milestone in your struggle for liberty. On September 2, 1991, the people of Nagorno Karabakh declared their intention to create their own independent state. With declaration [of independence] the courageous people of Artsakh expressed their determination to live in freedom." The Co-Chairs also said, “for the past 15 years, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh has proven its vitality, its strong commitment to universal values of freedom, peace, democracy and protection of human rights.” They voiced strong support for Nagorno Karabakh's struggle for freedom, saying that the U.S. Congress stood by the people of Nagorno Karabakh along their path to liberty. “We continue standing with you in your noble effort to achieve formal, international recognition of your independence,” concluded the letter. NKR Representative to U.S. Vardan Barseghian thanked Mr. Knollenberg and Mr. Pallone for their ongoing, critical and multifaceted support of Artsakh. “Artsakh’s friends around the world make a big difference in the lives of our people. Most of our achievements would not have been possible without their support. During last 15 years, Artsakh has indeed proved its vitality and we look to our future with great optimism. I have no doubt that liberty, democracy and progress will continue guiding us toward new victories for Artsakh, Armenia and the world,” said Barseghian. 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. * * * To request photos from Independence Day celebrations in Artsakh for publishing with this press release, send an email to info@nkrusa.org * * * Full text of the Co-chairs' letter follows:
>> Full text of the NKR Declaration of Independence * * * 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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