[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 24 (Wednesday, March 1, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 18TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH FREEDOM 
                                MOVEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the Congressional 
Caucus on Armenian Issues, and the representative of a large and 
vibrant community of Armenian Americans, I rise today to commemorate 
the 18th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh Freedom Movement. On 
February 20, 1988, the people of Nagorno Karabakh officially petitioned 
the Soviet government to correct the historical injustices of Soviet 
dictator Joseph Stalin by reuniting the area with Armenia. Six days 
later, one million people demonstrated in Yerevan's Opera Square. 
Unfortunately, the central Soviet and Azerbaijani leadership violently 
reacted to this peaceful and legal request by engaging in full military 
aggression against Nagorno Karabakh.
  In 1991, the people of Nagorno Karabakh voted overwhelmingly to 
establish an independent republic. However, Azerbaijan continued to 
perpetrate horrific crimes against Nagorno Karabakh including 
indiscriminate bombing and artillery attacks. Since 1994, a cease-fire, 
which has held through today, was reached with help from Russian and 
European mediators.
  Today, Nagorno Karabakh continues to strengthen its statehood with a 
democratically elected government, a court system, an independent 
foreign policy, and a commitment to educating its citizens. Just last 
year, Nagorno Karabakh held its fourth parliamentary elections which 
were declared to be free and transparent by election observers. I will 
continue to join with my colleagues in supporting assistance to Nagorno 
Karabakh, which has a vital role in achieving a peaceful and stable 
South Caucasus region. I commend the people of Nagorno Karabakh for 
courageously defending their right to live freely on their ancestral 
land. On this anniversary, I reiterate my unwavering support to Nagorno 
Karabakh's freedom, democracy, and economic development.

                          ____________________