In Support of Nogorno-Karabakh
IN SUPPORT OF NOGORNO-KARABAKH -- (House of Representatives - April 06, 2006)
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Fortenberry). Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to lend my support to the Republic of Nogorno-Karabakh in its pursuit of independence and international recognition. I believe that U.S. recognition of the Republic of Nogorno-Karabakh would greatly contribute to stability and peace in the South Caucasus region.
Nogorno-Karabakh is a country of proud citizens committed to the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. We as Americans cherish and defend these same values at home and internationally. The path to freedom has not been easy for the people of Nogorno-Karabakh. Following a peaceful demand by Karabakh's legislative body to reunite the region with Armenia in 1988, Azerbaijan launched an ethnic cleansing campaign against individuals of Armenian descent in both Karabakh and Azerbaijan. As a result, thousands of ethnic Armenians were killed, while some 400,000 fled Azerbaijan to escape the killings.
Mr. Speaker, on September 2, 1991, the people of Nogorno-Karabakh, consistent with their status as an oblast, or autonomous region, under the Soviet constitution, declared their independence. The declaration of independence noted Azerbaijan's policies of discrimination against the Armenian people, the need to restore friendly relations between Armenia and Azerbaijani people, and respect for the universal declaration of human rights. In response, Azerbaijan launched an all-out war against Nogorno-Karabakh.
Mr. Speaker, the people of Nogorno-Karabakh have steadily progressed on the path of democracy and conducted regular elections for president and the legislature. I actually acted as an observer for the last presidential election, and those elections were praised by international observers, including the United States, as free, fair and transparent.
While strengthening its democratic institutions, Nogorno-Karabakh has also successfully transitioned from a Soviet-inherited centrally planned economy to a market economy. Despite significant setbacks, it has largely restored its infrastructure and introduced reforms to encourage private enterprise and foreign investments.
With its democratically elected government, capable armed forces, and an independent foreign policy, Nogorno-Karabakh clearly satisfies the international criteria for statehood. Throughout its 14-year history of independence, it has proven to be a reliable partner of the international community and has contributed meaningfully to peace and stability in the strategic south caucuses.
Mr. Speaker, the United States should formally recognize the Republic of Nogorno-Karabakh, basically expand its relationship with the democratically elected Republic of Nogorno-Karabakh, and provide increased U.S. humanitarian and development assistance. It is crucial for the U.S. to unequivocally support the right of the people of Nogorno-Karabakh to decide their own future.
Mr. Speaker, the Nogorno-Karabakh Republic's democratic regime is in sharp contrast to its neighbor, Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has evolved since its succession from the Soviet Union into an autocratic dictatorship.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, there should not be a double standard. Since its independence, the Republic of Nogorno-Karabakh has enjoyed all attributes and institutions of statehood. Currently, its de facto statehood fully satisfies the requirements of conventional and customary international laws for de jure recognition.
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