R 256

2018 -- H 8211 Enacted 05/17/2018

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC EVENTS IN SUMGAYIT

Introduced By: Representatives Kazarian, Mattiello, Shekarchi, O'Brien, and Amore

Date Introduced: May 17, 2018

WHEREAS, The Republic of Artsakh, also known as the Nagorno Karabakh Republic,

has historically been Armenian territory, populated by an overwhelming majority of Armenians,

which was illegally severed from Armenia by the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in 1921, and

placed under the newly created Soviet Azerbaijani administration; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the Soviet Azerbaijani dominance, the population of Artsakh

resisted oppression and discrimination, and sought reunification with Armenia; and

WHEREAS, February 20, 1988, marked resumption of the national liberation movement

in Artsakh, which legally appealed for reunification with Armenia, inspiring peoples throughout

the Soviet empire to stand up for their rights and freedoms, and helping to bring democracy to

millions and contributing to world peace; and

WHEREAS, Azerbaijan responded to Artsakh's appeal with violent atrocities and

massacres against the Armenian population in the cities of Sumgayit in February of 1988,

Kirovabad in November of 1988, Baku in January of 1990, as well as in the village of Maragha in

April of 1992, and in other settlements, killing tens of thousands of people and forcing an

estimated 400,000 Armenians out of their homes; and

WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan found shelter

across the United States, including thousands of our current compatriots in the State of Rhode

Island; and

WHEREAS, Despite Azerbaijan's aggression, Artsakh continued its path towards a

sovereign democracy; and

WHEREAS, Baku continues to instigate anti-Armenian sentiments, and refuses to

implement US-backed measures aimed at strengthening regional peace and stability by lowering

tension along the border between Artsakh and Azerbaijan; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the tragic events in Sumgayit; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House hereby welcomes freedom aspirations of the Republic of

Artsakh to continue developing as a trustful member of the international community of nations;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House hereby supports peaceful initiatives by the United States

government and other international mediators called to promote final peace between Artsakh and

Azerbaijan; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Rhode

Island Congressional Delegation, and the United States Department of State.

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LC005688

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