[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 31 (Tuesday, March 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEGINNING OF THE NAGORNO 
                     KARABAKH INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL G. GRIMM

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 2013

  Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, last month marked 25 years since the people 
of the Nagorno Karabakh region took a brave and bold first step in 
asserting their right to political freedom and national independence. 
Since the early 20th century the Nagorno Karabakh region and its people 
have been subject to the territorial squabbling and political 
gamesmanship of a number of foreign powers. In spite of this fact, the 
proud people of the Nagorno Karabakh have steadfastly asserted their 
desire for political autonomy, overwhelmingly approving a popular 
referendum declaring independence from Azerbaijan in 1991 and thereby 
affirming a distinct national identity driven by deep ethnic, cultural, 
and religious bonds. The Nagorno Karabakh Republic's steady advances in 
the industries of banking, agriculture, and telecommunications, provide 
further testament to their promise as a viable independent partner in 
the international community. Coupling this with the United States' 
longstanding and unambiguous role as a defender of free people's right 
to self-determination across the globe, I hope that my colleagues will 
join me in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh 
liberation movement as part of the promotion of peace, stability, and 
prosperity in the South Caucusus.

                          ____________________