Louisiana State Senate Recognizes Independence of Karabakh

The Louisiana branch of the Armenian Council of America (ACA) reports the Louisiana State Senate passed a Senate Resolution 151 (SR 151) on Thursday, May 30, 2013 recognizing the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and expressing support to develop as a free and independent nation in order to guarantee its citizens those rights inherent in a free and independent society. The resolution also urges the U.S. President and Congress to support the self-determination and democratic independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and its constructive involvement with the international community’s efforts to reach a just and lasting solution to security issues in that strategically important region.

SR 151 was spearheaded by Louisiana State Senator Edwin R. Murray D-New Orleans, a distinguished member of the state legislature representing Louisiana’s 4th Senate District, worked closely with ACA of Louisiana to ensure the resolution’s passage. “Considering the amount of lobbying and threats conveyed by the Turkish and Azeri governments within the Louisiana State Senate against SR 151, its passage is a testament to the integrity of our State Legislators,” said Louisiana ACA Chairman, Mr. Vasken Kaltakdjian. “Hard work and perseverance for a just cause will always pay off, and I thank Senator Murray along with the other Legislatures for retaining their principles.”

“We were glad to hear the news that the Louisiana State Senate has endorsed Artsakh’s freedom and sovereignty,” said Permanent Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic to the United States, Mr. Robert Avetisyan. “We are grateful to Senator Murray and everyone who supported and voted for the Resolution. Artsakh will continue to develop as a democratic nation, and support from American legislators reinforces our determination to aim further achievements based on our shared values of human rights and liberties”.

The Louisiana State Legislature becomes the fourth state legislative body to recognize the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and ask the United States Administration, along with Congress to support the self-determination and democratic independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. Previous States to do so are Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Maine.