Political analyst advises not to take seriously Azerbaijani hysteria

YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS: The bill, submitted to the California State Parliament, demanding to recognize the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, is not a start for a new situation, but a deepening of the available process directed to the international recognition. If the process continues and the State of California recognizes the independence of Nagorno Karabakh, a new platform will appear after the recognition and the cooperation agenda between Artsakh and California will comprise of various issues, including the economic cooperation. The political analyst Karen Bekaryan expressed such opinion in the talk with Armenpress.

Concerning the implemented and expected anti-steps of Azerbaijan, Bekaryan advised to take into account that the abovementioned hysteria does not emerge changes in the situation and several cities and states have already recognized the independence of Artsakh. “There is no need to follow or take into consideration the Azerbaijani hysteria. The experience shows that very often it does not have any effect”.

On 6 January 1992, the democratically elected legislature of the Artsakh Republic formally declared independence. Since proclaiming independence, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic has registered significant progress in democracy building, including a presidential election last year that was assessed by international observers as free and transparent.

Three organizations that have already expressed support for the legislation are the Armenian Council of America (ACA), the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and the Unified Young Armenians (UYA).

Assemblyman Gatto has worked closely with each of these organizations on legislation he has authored in the past, including a resolution calling for U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide and on legislation extending the statute of limitations for victims of the genocide to file insurance claims. The Assemblyman has also supported events sponsored by each organization, including their stellar efforts to raise money for Armenians in need around the world. "The community is united in support of recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh," stated Gatto.

“It has been my privilege on this resolution to work with the leaders of the local Armenian American community and their outstanding representatives,” said Gatto. “I am especially honored to introduce this legislation on a day when Armenians around the world are celebrating Christmas with family and loved ones.”

Once passed by both houses of the California Legislature, a copy of AJR 32 will be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Secretary of the United States Senate, the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and to each member of the California delegation to the United States Congress.

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly. He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake.