Schiff welcomes California Assembly panel vote supporting Artsakh independence

Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) welcomed Monday’s vote by the California State Assembly Rules Committee, which by a vote of 9 to 1 approved a resolution supporting Artsakh’s (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic) right to self-determination and independence.

“I have long supported a right of self-determination for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and applaud the State Assembly Rules Committee for its passage of a resolution affirming the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. I welcome the expression of support for the right of the people of Artsakh to choose their own destiny, independent from Azeri coercion, and urge the Assembly to pass the resolution without delay,” said Schiff in a statement issued Tuesday.

The California State Assembly Rules Committee on Monday cast a historic vote supporting and encouraging Artsakh’s (Nagorno Karabakh) continuing efforts to develop as a free and independent nation, and urging the President and Congress of the United States to support the self-determination and democratic independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region. AJR 32, introduced by Assemblymember Mike Gatto, was adopted by a vote of 9 yes, 1 no, and 1 member who did not vote and will now move to the full Assembly floor for a vote scheduled for May 8, 2014.