Michael G. Grimm stated a statement on Nagorno-Karabakh

Michael G. Grimm of New York in the House of Representatives stated the following stayement on Nagorno-Karabakh.

“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”.