Numerous US Congress members have congratulated President Bako Sahakyan of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic), on the latter’s Independence Day anniversary. Frank Pallone, Co-Chair of the US Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, posted this congratulatory letter on his Twitter account.

Among the American lawmakers who have signed this letter are Adam Schiff, Jackie Speier, Peter T. King, and Gus Bilirakis.

“Artsakh is an exemplar of democracy and freedom in the region, and we remain hopeful that an enduring peace can be reached that keeps Artsakh Armenian,” Pallone wrote, in particular.

“Artsakh has clearly earned the right to participate in the ongoing negotiations at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group by continually acting as an exemplar of democracy and freedom in the region,” the letter reads, in part. “Our hope is that your country will once again be included in these talks in the near future.

“Please know that we remain committed to the development of Artsakh’s economy and its democracy, and that we will continue our call for the formal recognition of its independence.”

Led a letter with my fellow Co-Chairs on the Armenian Caucus congratulating the Republic of Artsakh on their Independence Day! Artsakh is an exemplar of democracy and freedom in the region, and we remain hopeful that an enduring peace can be reached that keeps Artsakh Armenian. pic.twitter.com/I5djxse29R

— Rep. Frank Pallone (@FrankPallone) September 2, 2019