Тhe California State Assembly Rules Committee on Monday cast a historic vote supporting and encouraging Artsakh’s (Nagorno Karabagh) 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.

“We are grateful to Assemblymember Mike Gatto for introducing this important resolution calling on the state of California to take a moral stand in line with American ideals of self-determination and freedom by recognizing the independence of Artsakh,” states ANCA-WR Chair, Nora Hovsepian, who offered testimony in support of the resolution at the committee hearing.

“We look forward to California joining the States of Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts and Louisiana in supporting the righteous quest of our brethren in Artsakh for a life of peace and prosperity on their ancestral lands.”