Augusta, Maine (A.W.)—The Maine House of Representatives
and Senate this morning passed a joint resolution recognizing the independence
of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic (NKR) and calling on President Obama and
Congress “to support the self-determination and democratic independence” of
NKR.
The resolution further urges the president and Congress
to support the NKR’s “constructive involvement with the international
community’s efforts to reach a just and lasting solution to security issues in
that strategically important region.”
The resolution was introduced by Rep. Scott Hamann (South
Portland) and co-sponsored by Rep. Andrew M.
Gattine (Westbrook) and Sara Gideon (Freeport).
Rep. Hamann worked closely with the ANCA of Maine and key
community leaders, chief among them Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, a Baku
pogroms survivor, lawyer, and noted author of the book Nowhere: A Story of
Exile.
“I am so proud of my state, the state of Maine, for
supporting the right of the free Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabagh to
freedom, democracy, and independence through self-determination. I hope other
states follow their sister states Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maine and do
the right thing,” Astvatsaturian Turcotte said.
“We are gratified to see America’s fundamental commitment
to freedom reaffirmed today in Maine’s principled stand for the independence of
the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh,” said Michelle Hagopian, the ANCA Eastern
Region’s executive director. “The citizens of Maine, like all Americans,
cherish liberty, as an inalienable right, not just for ourselves but for all
peoples. We thank Anna and all our local
activists, and look forward to working with all our community and coalition
partners to grow American support for Artsakh’s independence in cities and
states across our great nation.”
“We are grateful to the legislature of the state of Maine
for promoting global freedom and democracy by supporting Artsakh’s
independence,” Robert Avetisyan, NKR representative in the U.S., told the
Armenian Weekly. “The adoption of this resolution reiterates that Artsakh’s
aspiration for freedom will eventually be recognized by the broader
international community.”
Avetisyan expressed hope that this process will continue
and the number of supporters of Artsakh’s freedom in the U.S. and beyond will
grow.
Maine is the third state to pass such a resolution. On
May 17, 2012, the Rhode Island House passed a resolution calling on the U.S.
president and Congress to recognize the independence of NKR. On Aug. 6, 2012,
the House of Representatives of the state of Massachusetts adopted a similar
resolution.
Co-sponsors of the resolution with activists and members
of the Armenian community in Maine: (L-R) John Turcotte, Dr. Epiphanes Balian,
House Rep. Andrew Gattine (co-sponsor), Astvatsaturian Turcotte, House Rep.
Scott Hamann (sponsor), House Rep. Sara Gideon (co-sponsor), ANCA ER executive
director Michelle Hagopian, and Paul Proudian. (Photo: Nanore Barsoumian, The
Armenian Weekly)
Related Articles:
BREAKING NEWS: Massachusetts Legislature Supports Artsakh
Independence Rhode Island Legislature Supports Freedom of Artsakh Artsakh
Independence to be Marked at Capitol Hill Celebration ANCA-ER Welcomes Maine
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