MAINE RECOGNIZES INDEPENDENCE OF NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC

AUGUSTA, ME – The state of Maine today adopted legislation recognizing the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh and calling upon both the U.S. President and Congress to support the democratic independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Eastern Region.

The Maine resolution was spearheaded by Rep. Scott Hamann, a respected member of the state legislature representing Maine’s 123rd House District, which includes South Portland and Cape Elizabeth. He was joined by Rep. A.M. Gattine (Westbrook) and S. Gideon (Freeport) as lead cosponsors in support of the resolution. 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.” The measure, which was brought to the floor for a vote earlier today and adopted unanimously, makes Maine the third U.S. state to pass legislation recognizing the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

“I am so proud of my state, the State of Maine, for supporting the right of the free Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh to freedom, democracy and independence through self-determination,” said Astvatsaturian Turcotte. “I hope other states follow their sister states Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine and do the right thing.”

The joint resolution, HP-987, in a series of whereas clauses, sets forth the facts regarding Nagorno Karabakh and its enduring struggle, with the support of the American people, for freedom in the face of both Soviet and, more recently, Azerbaijani intolerance, violence, and outright aggression. The measure, in addition to calling for formal U.S. recognition of Artsakh’s independence, praises Nagorno Karabakh for its “constructive involvement with the international community’s efforts to reach a just and lasting solution to security issues in that strategically important region.”

“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 Karabakh,” said Michelle Hagopian, ANCA Eastern Region 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.”

The resolution passes nearly a year after the Rhode Island General Assembly passed a resolution in May 2012 supporting the Nagorno Karabakh Republic’s efforts to develop as a free and independent nation. Through the diligent efforts of the ANCA of Rhode Island, the state became the first in the nation to urge the president and Congress to recognize the independence of Artsakh. Soon thereafter, the Massachusetts House of Representatives also passed a resolution supporting the self-determination and democratic independence of Nagorno Karabakh.

Since Armenia proclaimed independence in 1991, the ANCA has been at the forefront of defending the right of the people of Artsakh to full independence and freedom within safe borders. In 1988 and 1990, when Azerbaijanis attacked the Armenians of Sumgait and Baku in horrible pogroms, the ANCA demanded that the international community protest this barbaric violation of human rights.

The full text of the Resolution is copied below.