Rhode Island legislature calls for recognition of Karabakh
Lawmakers in the U.S. state of Rhode Island passed a resolution calling on the U.S. President and Congress to recognize the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR).
The resolution, adopted by the state's House of Representatives, encourages Nagorno-Karabakh's "efforts to develop as a free and independent nation" and praised Artsakh's "constructive involvement with the international community and its efforts to reach a lasting solution to the existing regional problems."
The resolution was voted on the House floor in the presence of Robert Avetisyan, the permanent representative of the NKR to the US and Canada, who voiced hope that the resolution would inspire other legislatures in the United States and elsewhere to adopt similar measures.
Dozens of local Armenian-Americans filled the gallery of the House during the session.
Almost concurrently, on Capitol Hill, Congressmen James Langevin (D-R.I.) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-R.I.) made statements on the House floor in support of the people of NKR. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.), in turn, issued statements.
It is more important than ever that the United States maintain a principled stand for peace in this region, show that democracy can be born from conflict, and support Nagorno-Karabakh. It is my sincerest hope that Nagorno-Karabakh's right to self-determination can be affirmed without further loss of life," The Voice of America quoted Langevin as saying.
