Frank Pallone: “I rise tonight to lend my support to the Republic of Nogorno-Karabakh in its pursuit of independence and international…”

“I rise tonight to lend my support to the Republic of Nogorno-Karabakh in its pursuit of independence and international recognition. I believe that U.S. recognition of the Republic of Nogorno-Karabakh would greatly contribute to stability and peace in the South Caucasus region. Nogorno-Karabakh is a country of proud citizens committed to the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. We as Americans cherish and defend these same values at home and internationally. The path to freedom has not been easy for the people of Nogorno-Karabakh. Following a peaceful demand by Karabakh's legislative body to reunite the region with Armenia in 1988, Azerbaijan launched an ethnic cleansing campaign against individuals of Armenian descent in both Karabakh and Azerbaijan. As a result, thousands of ethnic Armenians were killed, while some 400,000 fled Azerbaijan to escape the killings. Mr. Speaker, on September 2, 1991, the people of Nogorno-Karabakh, consistent with their status as an oblast, or autonomous region, under the Soviet constitution, declared their independence. The declaration of independence noted Azerbaijan's policies of discrimination against the Armenian people, the need to restore friendly relations between Armenia and Azerbaijani people, and respect for the universal declaration of human rights. In response, Azerbaijan launched an all- out war against Nogorno-Karabakh. Mr.…”