U.S. Los Angeles City Council unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as an independent and sovereign state.

“The text of the resolution follows:

RESOLUTION

REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

WHEREAS, we take great honor in recognizing the continuing vibrancy of the independent and sovereign REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH; and

WHEREAS, the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH has a long and storied history dating back thousands of years, and holds a cherished place in the Armenian people's history and culture; and

WHEREAS, the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH declared its independence on December 10, 1991, after a long struggle that in some respects continues to this day, and the persistent demand for self-determination was an inspiration to people of many nationalities in the region and was one of the catalysts for the breakup of the former Soviet Union; and

WHEREAS, through the course of the last two decades, the people of the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH have shown tenacity and perseverance in the face of war, massacres, economic deprivation and other tremendous hardships; and

WHEREAS, the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH has for more than twenty years stayed true and faithful to its citizens by remaining independent while working to bring change and stability to the Caucasus region, and by holding free and fair elections and referendums that were widely declared as a model for the region; and

WHEREAS, on April 24, 2012 the City of Los Angeles recognized its friendship relationship with the city of Shushi in the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that by the adoption of this resolution, the City of Los Angeles honors the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH and its citizens, and recognizes the sacrifices, dedication and resolve shown by the people of the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH in the face of extreme adversity; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Los Angeles extends its best wishes to the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH and its citizen for peace, prosperity and continuing success, and calls upon the international community to give appropriate recognition to the REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH as a free, independent, and sovereign state.”