By a vote of 9 to 1, the California State Assembly Rules Committee passed Assembly Joint Resolution 32 calling on the United States to recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as a sovereign state and promoting the right of “self-determination and democratic independence.” on May 5, 2014.

“It has been my privilege to work with the leaders of the local Armenian American community and their outstanding representatives on this Resolution and I am proud that it has passed in the Rules Committee and is on its way to the Assembly floor for a full vote,” said Assemblymember Gatto.

In support of AJR 32, Sevak Khatchadorian, Chair of the Armenian Council of America, provided testimony regarding the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in relation to Nagorno-Karabakh. He urged the committee to pass the Resolution on the basis of the democratic ideals upheld by California legislators throughout history who have advocated for the rights of people around the world.

“Today’s victory marks a monumental historic achievement towards the establishment of peace and democracy for the ethnic Armenian population of the NKR who have been subjected to decades of struggle and oppression by the Azeri government,” said Khatchadorian, adding that the symbolic gesture of the passage of this Resolution is the first step towards federal and international recognition of theNKR.

Joining Khatchadorian in testifying on behalf of California’s over 1 million Armenian American community were Alina Nalbantyan, who hails from the Shahoumian region of Artsakh, and Nora Hovsepian from the Armenian National Committee of America.

Along with Assemblymember Gatto, Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian (R-San Luis Obispo) addressed the Assembly Rules Committee, stressing the importance of the California State legislature to pass AJR 32, and support a people who strive to create a peaceful and democratic nation.

Co-author of the Resolution, Assembly member Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) who visited Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh last September reiterated her support by stating: “I’m supporting this Resolution because I believe people should have an independent nation and should be free to vote however they want to vote.”

Four other states have passed similar legislation. AJR 32 is slated to be read during the State Assembly Floor on May 8th where it will have an opportunity to be voted on during the General Session. A full text of AJR 32 can be found here.