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PRESS RELEASE
December 10, 2012

Artsakh Republic Celebrates 21 Years of Independence and Constitutional Referenda

Washington, DC – December 10, 2012 marks the 21st anniversary of the national Referendum in Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), which evidenced overwhelming popular endorsement of the newly-formed Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

82% of the total number of Artsakh’s registered voters participated in the elections. The overwhelming majority of participants (99.98%) voted for proclamation of the independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic, with its own authority to define co-operation with other states and entities.

Fifteen years later, on the same day in 2006, the people of independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic have reaffirmed their commitment to live in a free and democratic state by adopting the republic’s main law – Constitution. A logical continuation of the state-building process, adoption of the Constitution has consolidated all the basic principles of the state sovereignty, and symbolized a new stage in the republic’s development.

Conducted in a full compliance with the international norms, the referenda represent pillars of Artsakh’s independent statehood, and development as a democratic society.

NKR President Bako Sahakyan addressed the nation on both occasions stressing that 1991 national referendum “preconditioned the whole course of our country's future development” while adoption of the NKR Constitution reaffirmed Artsakh’s commitment to the “fundamental principles of democracy and universal values … proving that the chosen path is unshakeable and right, and its course is indivertible and firm.”

Symbolically, December 10 is the day of the UN’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The document, which sets out the fundamental human rights, inter alia, states that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person”.

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The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia and the public representing the official policies and interests of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh.

* * *

This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the USA on behalf of the Government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the U.S. Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

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PRESS RELEASE
December 6, 2012

ARTSAKH'S INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY MARKED ON CAPITOL HILL

Washington, DC - Members of the U.S. House and Senate joined with more than one hundred Armenian American community leaders at a December 5th Capitol Hill celebration of Nagorno Karabakh's independence, featuring a keynote address by the Foreign Minister of Nagorno Karabakh, Karen Mirzoyan.

The Congressional event, held in the historic Russell building on the Senate side of Capitol Hill was sponsored and organized by the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Rep. Ed Royce, the incoming Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Frank Pallone, in cooperation with the Armenian Embassy, the Office of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the United States, and leading Armenian American organizations. Diplomats, religious leaders, think tank community representatives, Congressional staff members, Armenian-Americans community leaders, and representatives of local and international media joined the legislators in participating in the celebration.

The event marked the day, 21 years ago, when Artsakh held a national referendum on its independence that delivered an overwhelming vote (98.9% of eligible Artsakh voters) in support of an independent state that, acting on its own authority, was empowered to decide forms of co-operation with other states and communities. In 2006, more than a decade later, also in December, the citizens of Artsakh reaffirmed their commitment to live in a free and independent state by adopting Artsakh’s primary law, namely the Constitution of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh, which consolidated all the basic principles of state sovereignty and marked a new stage in the Republic's development.

Minister Mirzoyan, in his keynote address, emphasized the importance of both democratic votes, as well as the symbolism of their having taken place on or near International Human Rights Day. He stressed, in his remarks, that: "For us, independence is not just an ultimate goal, but also the means by which the Nagorno Karabakh Republic can take its rightful place as a responsible member of the international community; by which our people can best fulfill their potential, realize their aspirations, and enjoy all the rights and freedoms that everyone deserves." While talking about the Karabakh-Azerbaijani conflict, Minister Mirzoyan stressed Artsakh's alliance with the international community in seeking a peaceful resolution of the conflict. He also expressed confidence that "effective negotiations require the immediate restoration of Artsakh’s full participation in all aspects of the negotiation process."

Ambassador Markarian addressed the gathering and praised the Armenian Congressional Caucus for their unwavering support for independence, security and democratic development of Artsakh. He strongly condemned the recent hostile actions of Azerbaijan and underscored the urgency of support and recognition of the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic by the international community. As part of the evening's program, Ambassador Markarian presented “Mkhitar Gosh” medals to the Representatives Anna Eshoo and Brad Sherman. These honors, bestowed by the President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, recognized their many contributions to the advancement of Armenian issues, including universal recognition of the Armenian Genocide. At the same time, during the event, Minister Mirzoyan awarded both Reps. Sherman and Eshoo commemorative medals dedicated to the anniversary of the Artsakh's independence.

Members of Congress congratulated people of Artsakh on the occasion of those anniversaries and highlighted their support for the legitimacy of the Artsakh’s independence and its many achievements since independence. They expressed their readiness to continue supporting international recognition of the Artsakh Republic and condemned the escalation of threats and acts of anti-Armenian hatred and violence by the Azerbaijani government, a troubling trend that recently culminated in Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's pardoning of convicted axe-murderer Ramil Safarov.

In his opening remarks, Representative Pallone, who moderated the event, stressed that the people and leaders of Artsakh realized their right to self-determination and independence in full conformity with all existing national and international law, legal precedent, and democratic traditions. He called for continued American support for Artsakh's democracy. Joining Congressman Pallone in offering remarks, and making statements, were Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), and Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), and Eliot Engel (D-NY), the incoming Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA). Reps. Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Linda Sanchez (D-CA) were also among those participating in the celebration.

John Evans, the former US Ambassador to Armenia attended and addressed the event.

The program was rounded out by a powerful speech by Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, an Armenian refugee from Azerbaijan, who was an eyewitness to anti-Armenian violence in Baku. She spoke movingly of those dreadful days, which reaffirmed, she explained, her resolve to see Artsakh live in freedom. She recently published her memoirs, titled "Nowhere, a Story of Exile," that tells the story of her life in Baku, and Azerbaijan’s brutality against Armenian citizens in Baku and elsewhere. She called upon the global community to pay proper attention to the plight of Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan, and expressed her hope that one day Azerbaijani society would be able to overcome its hatred towards Armenians.

The event was concluded by the invocation served by the Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America (East), as well as Reverend Fathers of both Armenian churches in Washington.

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November 1-15, 2012

Artsakh Newsletter summarizes key developments in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh and is prepared by the NKR Office in the United States.

SECURITY & POLITICS

President of the House of Representatives of Uruguay Jorge Orrico visited NKR and met Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan and other officials to discuss development of relations between Uruguay and NKR. Earlier in Yerevan, Jorge Orrico condemned Azerbaijan’s recent pardoning and promotion of a convicted axe murderer, stressing the importance of protection of human rights on the international arena. He also noted that Uruguay was the first country in the world to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

During his visit to Artsakh, President of the House of Representatives of Uruguay Jorge Orrico spoke at the NKR parliament. He stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of the conflict and respect freedom and basic human rights. Artsakh Speaker of the Parliament Ashot Ghoulian welcomed the visit of Uruguay delegation to Artsakh and stressed the importance of this visit for Artsakh. Later, the Uruguay delegation visited Shushi and Gandzasar as well as met Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan.

“Rehabilitation of the Stepanakert airport is the sovereign right of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and pursues solely civilian and humanitarian objectives, including the realization of such a basic human right as the freedom of movement”, the NKR Foreign Ministry said in a letter circulated at the UN General Assembly and Security Council in a response to Azerbaijan’s efforts to thwart the airport’s opening.

Azerbaijan officially continues encouraging hatred against Armenians, stressed Armenia’s Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Garen Nazarian in his address during a UN session on elimination of racism, racial discrimination and intolerance.

Armenia will continue pushing for a negotiated settlement to the Karabakh conflict, but the country will not stand aside in case of new aggression against NKR from Azerbaijan, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated in his interview with the Wall Street Journal. Sargsyan stressed that “…Azerbaijan is waiting for an occasion to start a conflict” and warned that that “would harm the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia but that most harm would come to the people of Azerbaijan.”

The recent meeting of Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs was an attempt to bring Azerbaijan to constructive dialogue, said Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan.

Azerbaijan did not allow U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar to visit the site in Julfa, Nakhijevan, where a medieval Armenian cemetery with thousands of cross-stone monuments (khachkars) was destroyed by the Azerbaijani authorities in 2005 (see the video). The Armenian National Committee of America called on the U.S. Ambassador to visit the area and to secure public access to the site. See full documentary on the subject.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Growth in the construction sector continues in Artsakh, with $65 million invested in the first nine months of this year. See video.

Base Metals Company is preparing to put into operation a new ore deposit in the area of Tsakhkashen in Martakert region, NKR within two years.

SOCIETY

‘Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund’s 15th international telethon will take place on November 22 live between 8:00am-8:00pm PST. (click for more info). This year’s contributions will assist in the rural development in Armenia and Artsakh and the urgent humanitarian needs of Syrian Armenians.

President Sahakyan stressed the importance of rural development projects for Artsakh, in his speech during the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s annual fundraising dinner in Moscow that secured pledges of more than $12 million. NKR President called upon Armenians to participate actively in the upcoming telethon.

Shoushi played host for a joint meeting of NKR and Armenian parliaments’ standing committees on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Affairs.

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November 1-15, 2012

SECURITY & POLITICS

President of the House of Representatives of Uruguay Jorge Orrico visited NKR and met Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan and other officials to discuss development of relations between Uruguay and NKR. Earlier in Yerevan, Jorge Orrico condemned Azerbaijan’s recent pardoning and promotion of a convicted axe murderer, stressing the importance of protection of human rights on the international arena. He also noted that Uruguay was the first country in the world to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

During his visit to Artsakh, President of the House of Representatives of Uruguay Jorge Orrico spoke at the NKR parliament. He stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of the conflict and respect freedom and basic human rights. Artsakh Speaker of the Parliament Ashot Ghoulian welcomed the visit of Uruguay delegation to Artsakh and stressed the importance of this visit for Artsakh. Later, the Uruguay delegation visited Shushi and Gandzasar as well as met Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan.

“Rehabilitation of the Stepanakert airport is the sovereign right of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and pursues solely civilian and humanitarian objectives, including the realization of such a basic human right as the freedom of movement”, the NKR Foreign Ministry said in a letter circulated at the UN General Assembly and Security Council in a response to Azerbaijan’s efforts to thwart the airport’s opening.

Azerbaijan officially continues encouraging hatred against Armenians, stressed Armenia’s Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Garen Nazarian in his address during a UN session on elimination of racism, racial discrimination and intolerance.

Armenia will continue pushing for a negotiated settlement to the Karabakh conflict, but the country will not stand aside in case of new aggression against NKR from Azerbaijan, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated in his interview with the Wall Street Journal. Sargsyan stressed that “…Azerbaijan is waiting for an occasion to start a conflict” and warned that that “would harm the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia but that most harm would come to the people of Azerbaijan.”

The recent meeting of Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs was an attempt to bring Azerbaijan to constructive dialogue, said Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan.

Azerbaijan did not allow U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar to visit the site in Julfa, Nakhijevan, where a medieval Armenian cemetery with thousands of cross-stone monuments (khachkars) was destroyed by the Azerbaijani authorities in 2005 (see the video). The Armenian National Committee of America called on the U.S. Ambassador to visit the area and to secure public access to the site. See full documentary on the subject.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Growth in the construction sector continues in Artsakh, with $65 million invested in the first nine months of this year. See video.

Base Metals Company is preparing to put into operation a new ore deposit in the area of Tsakhkashen in Martakert region, NKR within two years.

SOCIETY

‘Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund’s 15th international telethon will take place on November 22 live between 8:00am-8:00pm PST. (click for more info). This year’s contributions will assist in the rural development in Armenia and Artsakh and the urgent humanitarian needs of Syrian Armenians.

President Sahakyan stressed the importance of rural development projects for Artsakh, in his speech during the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s annual fundraising dinner in Moscow that secured pledges of more than $12 million. NKR President called upon Armenians to participate actively in the upcoming telethon.

Shoushi played host for a joint meeting of NKR and Armenian parliaments’ standing committees on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Affairs.

Julfa History of Armenian khachkars destruction by Azerbaijan

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SECURITY & POLITICS

The Legislative Council of the New South Wales of Australia passed a resolution calling upon the Australian “Government to officially recognize the independence of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and strengthen Australia's relationship with the Nagorno-Karabakh and its citizens”. NKR President’s administration and Parliament welcomed the resolution, calling it a significant step towards global recognition of Artsakh’s freedom.

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs had a joint meeting with the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Paris. “Reducing tensions among the parties” and some “ideas on working proposals to advance the peace process” were discussed.

Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan received Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office to discuss situation along the line of contact between Artsakh and Azerbaijani armed forces.

“Artsakh’s Army has upgraded military arsenal that significantly increased republic’s defense capabilities”, NKR Minister of Defense said in a press-briefing (click for video).

While in Yerevan, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Eric S. Rubin called continuation of talks on Karabakh settlement “highly important.”

“Time to refocus on Artsakh”, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) said in an article. A long-time supporter of freedom and justice for Artsakh, Rep. Schiff expressed hope that the United States would send a strong signal to Azerbaijan to take a constructive stance in talks.

Czech Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security passed a resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s pardoning convicted murderer Ramil Safarov.

Artsakh President received Swiss parliamentarians to discuss political and economic cooperation between the countries.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Artsakh president Bako Sahakyan discussed the establishment of a new IT center during a meeting with American-Armenian philanthropists Sam and Silva Simonian. Meantime, an IT company "Synergy International Systems" opened a branch in Stepanakert.

Artsakh’s Tourism Department launched a new South Touristic Corridor project, aimed at improving region’s tourism infrastructure, including access to historical monuments.

SOCIETY

‘Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund announced a decision to “include assistance to Syrian Armenians as a part of its fundraising efforts for the year 2012”. The Fund will contribute 10% of all donations from Armenia and Artsakh during the 2012 Telethon, and Phone-a-thon by Fonds Arménien de France to the humanitarian needs of Syrian Armenians.
The Fund’s International Thanksgiving Day Telethon will air on November 22 live for 12 hours, 8:00am-8:00pm PST. (click for more info)

President Sahakyan received delegation of the Armenian Missionary Association in America to discuss agricultural and educational programs in Artsakh. (click for video)

Artsakh’s population increased by 968 in 2012. Birth rate in January - September 2012, was twice as high as death rate; number of marriages increased by 128 in comparison with the same period in 2011, while cases of divorces decreased by 13 (click for video).

NKR Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs moved to a new building in Shushi. Artsakh’s leadership will continue increasing administrative presence in the town (click for photos and video).

Playing at home, the Artsakh football team beat Abkhazia 3-0 (click for video).https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=ubWLN7PjBog

Article at NKR office in US.

https://www.nkrusa.org

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The City of Cranston Also Marks Shushi Liberation Day.

Mayor Fung Proclaims May 20 the Victory Day “Shushi’s liberation was the turning point in the long Nagorno Karabakh”, wrote Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung in the special resolution that proclaimed May 20 Shushi City Liberation Day.
The resolution text stresses, that dozens of “Armenian liberators made the ultimate sacrifice so that others may live free from oppression and tyranny”.

Mayor of Shushi Garen Avakimyan sent a letter to Mayor Fung, in which he thanked the Mayor and the City of Cranston for celebrating the Shushi’s liberation, and adopting the resolution. The letter by Mayor Avakimyan, in particular, said: “Throughout its history, Shushi has always been playing a significant role in the cultural and educational life of the Armenian people…On behalf of the citizens of the free Shushi, I would like to thank you for your support. We look forward to further cooperation, and deepening of the friendship between our cities”.

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OFFICE OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC IN THE USA
1334 G St. N.W., Washington, DC 20005
Tel: (202) 223-4330
Fax: (202) 223-4332
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.nkrusa.org

PRESS RELEASE
May 22, 2012

RHODE ISLAND CELEBRATES LIBERATION OF SHUSHI
Community and Dignitaries Join the Celebrations

Providence, RI - On May 20, 2012, The Armenian Community of the State of Rhode Island organized a special reception to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Shushi. Open-air reception and a concert were organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s Eastern U.S. Central Committee, the Armenian Cultural Association of Rhode Island and the Saints Vartanantz Armenian Church of Providence. US Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI), Mayors of Providence, Warwick and Cranston also attended the celebrations, and offered their remarks to congratulate the people of Artsakh with the Triple Holiday.



“We will support Karabakh economically, legislatively, and diplomatically to ensure that it prospers”, said Dikran Kaligian, member of the ARF Eastern Region’s Central Committee.



Addressing the gathering, Representative of Artsakh Robert Avetisyan talked about the importance of the 1992 victory, and expressed hope for future significant achievements. Avetisyan thanked the vibrant Armenian community of Rhode Island for their continued involvement and support of Artsakh’s aspirations to continue developing as a free and sovereign country.


On May 17, Rhode Island’s House of Representatives adopted a resolution supporting independence of Artsakh, and calling upon the U.S. government to recognize the sovereign NKR.

During the Artsakh Liberation War, on May 8-9, 1992 Artsakh self-defense forces launched a military operation intended to lift the siege of Stepanakert and end Azerbaijani bombardments of Karabakh’s capital. Shushi, a historically Armenian town by then cleared of all its Armenian population, became Azerbaijan’s military stronghold. After twenty-four hours of heavy fighting, Artsakh forces liberated the town, and moved further to break the blockade and open a corridor to Armenia. The corridor, which became known as "Road of Life,” allowed for key supplies to enter Artsakh and make its long-term defense possible.

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The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia and the public representing the official policies and interests of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

* * *

This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the USA on behalf of the Government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the U.S. Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

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ARTSAKH NEWSLETTER


May 1-15, 2012



Artsakh Newsletter summarizes key developments in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh and is prepared by the NKR Office in the United States.



SECURITY & POLITICS


On May 9, Artsakh celebrated the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Shushi. Armenian President, hundreds of guests attended the festive events in Stepanakert and Shushi that included a large-scale military parade.



Shortly after a serier of Azerbaijani cease-fire violations on Armenia’s north-eastern border that left several Armenian army servicemen killed, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs declared their plans to visit the region to investigate the incidents. Following their visit they issued a statement, in which they expressed “concern over recent incidents along the frontlines, and urged the sides to exercise restraint and refrain from retaliation”.



“The people of Nagorno-Karabakh must decide their destiny”, Uruguay’s Foreign Minister Luis Almagro stated while in Yerevan. He condemned military rhetoric, and emphasized the importance to respect human rights, particularly the right to freedom and self-determination.



On separate occasions, parliaments of Sweden and Lithuania rejected initiatives to pass Azerbaijani government-sponsored resolutions. Both Riksdag and Seimas reiterated their support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group.



May 5 was the deadline for candidates applications ahead of presidential elections in Artsakh set on July 19. According to the Central Electoral Commission, the four candidates are the incumbent President Bako Sahakyan; deputy of the NKR National Assembly, former deputy minister of defense Vitaliy Balasanyan; deputy rector of the Stepanakert branch of the Armenian State Agrarian University Arkady Soghomonyan and former Askeran district executive staff member Valeri Khachatryan.



ECONOMY & BUSINESS


New multifunctional Europe business center was opened in Stepanakert. The center will accommodate business offices, hotel and bank.



Artsakh continues developing energy sphere. The ongoing investment programs and development of hydro energy is expected to turn the republic into energy exporter within years.



SOCIETY


NKR Statistical Service says Artsakh’s population has increased in January – March 2012 by 276 persons.



President Sahakian awarded art workers on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Stepanakert Musical College.



Eleven individuals were granted amnesty by the decree of the NKR president on the occasion of the Triple holiday in Artsakh.



HISTORICAL REFERENCES


1991 Ethnic Cleansing Campaign Against Armenians: Operation “Ring”

The spring of 1991 marked a new, violent phase in Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing against Armenians from their historic land and homes both within Nagorno Karabakh and outside its then administrative borders. As a result of this operation encouraged by Azerbaijan and conducted primarily by Soviet internal security forces tens of thousands of Armenians were deported from their homes, dozens of Armenian settlements were completely devastated, destroyed and depopulated. This aggression marked an escalation of the Karabakh conflict into an open military confrontation.



1992 Liberation of Shushi

The liberation of Shushi on May 9, 1992 was one of the major successes of the Armenian forces in Artsakh during the 1991-1994 war. This military victory also symbolized the rebirth of the Armenian spirit that resonated far beyond Artsakh, to all corners of the world. In the following days Artsakh Defense Forces established a vital land-link with Armenia proper. Fierce battles continued throughout 1992-1994, but the Shushi operation made all subsequent victories possible.



1994 Cease Fire Agreement

May 12 marks an anniversary of the cease fire agreement signed by Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. Azerbaijan, having sustained major military reversals and with its armed units pushed out of most of Artsakh and adjacent territories, was forced to sign a cease-fire agreement. Despite frequent violations of this agreement, the document remains one of the key achievements of the Karabakh peace process that helped re-establish stability in the South Caucasus region.

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PRESS RELEASE

May 9, 2012

KARABAKH CELEBRATES LIBERATION OF SHUSHI
Hundreds of Guests Joined Artsakh in Celebrations

Washington, DC - This May 9 the people of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh marked the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Shushi, historical one of the most important centers of Armenian culture. Artsakh people and foreign guests attended the festive events that included a large-scale military parade of the Artsakh Defense Army.

Shushi emerged as one of the most important cities for Armenians in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city was devastated in the early 20th centuries after several bouts of anti-Armenian violence. Remaining Armenian population fled the city in the late 1980s.

By the early 1990s, Shushi – which seats on a plateau above Stepanakert - became the base for Azerbaijan’s military operations, particularly the devastating shelling of Karabakh’s capital. In the months before its liberation, up to 400 missiles launched from Shushi would land in Stepanakert, driving its population into underground basement, causing hundreds of casualties and damaging more than half of the capital’s buildings. Azerbaijani control of Shushi also gave it control over the main road connecting Stepanakert to Goris in Armenia proper. The day is also marked as the day of the formation of the Defense Army of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

With survival of the Armenian Artsakh at stake, its self-defense forces launched the military operation to take Shushi early on May 8, 1992. After twenty-four hours of heavy fighting, in which over fifty Armenian soldiers paid the ultimate price, Azerbaijani forces panicked and fled Shushi. In subsequent operations Armenian forces from Artsakh opened a corridor to Goris that became known as “Road of Life” that allowed for key supplies to enter Artsakh and make its defense possible.

Also on May 9, Armenians join other former Soviet peoples to mark the victory over Nazi Germany in the WWII, in which hundreds of thousands of Armenians actively participated.

In his holiday address Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan noted that “May 9 is the day of a victory, the victory of nationwide unity and consolidation, freedom-loving spirit and an unshakable will…”

“May 9 is the victory day of all Armenians in the national liberation struggle, when all parts of the Armenian nation united around the noble idea of defending Artsakh. Everything was done for the sake of our sacred mission, for the fulfillment of our long-cherished aspirations, for the bright future of the Armenian nation”. * * *

The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia and the public representing the official policies and interests of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

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This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the USA on behalf of the Government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the U.S. Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

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April 15-30, 2012



Artsakh Newsletter summarizes key developments in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh and is prepared by the NKR Office in the United States.



SECURITY & POLITICS


Azerbaijan has intensified its violations of the cease-fire agreement. On April 24, two servicemen of the Karabakh Defense Army were wounded when Azerbaijani forces opened fire on the Karabakh army ambulance vehicle wounded. On April 25, the Dovegh village in Tavush region of Armenia was shelled. A local kindergarten and other civilian buildings were evacuated after being hit by automatic gunfire from Azerbaijani army positions. On April 27, also in Tavush three off-duty Armenian army servicemen were killed when their civilian vehicle traveling on a border road came under fire. And later on the same day a Karabakh army serviceman was killed on the Line of Contact. In each case, Armenian forces undertook retaliatory punitive actions against the aggressor.



The attacks were condemned by international mediators, including the United States, which restated that there is no alternative to a peacefully negotiated settlement of the conflict.



Azerbaijani government continues to threaten regional security and stability. Last year, it increased its military budget by 89 percent, the biggest increase in the world, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).



Armenia’s Representative to the UN, Amb. Garen Nazarian responded to misinformation Azerbaijan continues spreading about Armenia and Artsakh aimed at escaping responsibility for its aggression against the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.



A Franco-German ARTE TV channel broadcast a program about Armenia and Artsakh. While talking about Karabakh conflict, the program emphasized that Artsakh is a historically Armenian land that was forcefully granted to Azerbaijan.



The Irish Times published the article by Daniel McLaughlin about the Karabakh conflict that emphasized the readiness of Artsakh people to defend their homeland.



An article in the Foreign Policy Journal by Hovhannes Nikoghosyan called for international efforts to compel Azerbaijan to take long-recommended confidence-building measures, such as pulling back snipers, and other steps to help prevent a military escalation.



NKR Central Election Commission has registered four candidates for the upcoming presidential elections in Artsakh. Along with incumbent president Bako Sahakian, former member of NKR parliament Vitaliy Balasanyan, Deputy Director of State Agrarian University Arkadi Soghomonyan and currently unemployed Valeri Khachatryan expressed interest in running for president.



ECONOMY & BUSINESS

NKR Ministry of Economic Development launched an initiative aimed at further computerization of Artsakh. NKR government will partially subsidize credit loans for its citizens to purchase new laptops and personal computers.



A new settlement will be established in the south of the Hadrut region, NKR in the nearest future. Fifteen families have already expressed willingness to relocate to the new settlement.



SOCIETY


Final preparations for festive celebration in Shushi and Stepanakert on the 20th anniversary of Shushi Liberation and Triple Holiday are in progress.



New anthem for Shushi is to be presented on May 8, with music composed by Avetis Berberyan and lyrics by Nushik Mikaelyan.



HISTORICAL REFERENCE

On April 24 the world marked the 97th anniversary of Armenian Genocide committed by the Ottoman Turkey. The first genocide of the 20th century claimed the lives of more than one and half million Armenians - citizens of the Ottoman Empire. Despite a number of documented materials and recognition of the genocide by many governments and organizations, Turkey still denies this tragedy.



In Stepanakert, NKR President Bako Sahakyan and other leaders laid flowers to the monument commemorating the Genocide’s innocent victims. In his remarks on this tragic occasion, Artsakh president stated that the world should recognize Armenia Genocide, and that the Armenian people is grateful to those who raise their voice for justice.



The genocide commemoration events also took place all over the world including the United States capital. On April 25, 2012 the Annual Armenian Genocide Observance on Capitol Hill featured many members of U.S. Congress, as well as Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S. Tatoul Markarian, and Artsakh Representative Robert Avetisyan.



About the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh


The Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh, was established in 1991 basing on a declaration of the local legislature, and results of a subsequent nation-wide referendum. The people of Artsakh defended their choice in a war unleashed by Azerbaijan. The Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh has emerged as a democratic, rule-of-law state with capable armed forces, a growing market economy, and an independent foreign policy.



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The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia and the public representing the official policies and interests of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh. The NKR Office is registered with the U.S. Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.



Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States

1334 G ST. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005

Tel: (202) 223-4330; Email: [email protected] Web: www.nkrusa.org