Artsakh Independence on Capitol Hill

Eduard Ayanyan

U.S. legislators joined the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan in a celebration of Artsakh’s independence and democratic development. The program, held in the historic Russell Senate Office Building, was hosted by the Armenian Caucus, which is co-chaired by Congressman Ed Royce, the incoming Chairman of the influential Foreign Affairs Committee and Congressman Frank Pallone. Among the legislators offering powerful statements at the event in support for Nagorno-Karabakh were Senator Jack Reed and Representatives Adam Schiff, David Cicilline and Eliot Engel, the incoming Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Senator Robert Menendez and Representative Jackie Speier shared powerful statements of support for Nagorno-Karabakh. Members of Congress cited Karabakh’s democratic and economic progress, even in the face of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s continuing hostility, noting the overwhelmingly positive assessment of the July 2012 presidential elections. Legislators also discussed the need for continued U.S. support for Karabakh’s self-determination, through, among other things, expanded humanitarian and developmental assistance to Artsakh.