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BREAKING NEWS: Syria recognizes South Ossetia and Abkhazia

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YEREVAN, MAY 29,  Syria has recognized the Republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

“The Syrian Arab Republic and the Republic of South Ossetia have agreed on mutual recognition and on establishing diplomatic relations, according to the South Ossetian Foreign Ministry, TASS reports.

“The Republic of South Ossetia and the Syrian Arab Republic declare mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the level of embassies from the date this communique is published,” the document says according to TASS.

President of the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khadzhimba delivered a speech on the occasion of the mutual recognition.

“On May 29, 2018, the Republic of Abkhazia and the Syrian Arab Republic declared mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two states at the level of the Embassies which reflects their common intention to develop these relations in all spheres.

This event was preceded by great work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, the Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in the Russian Federation and other institutions of the Republic of Abkhazia. Mutual visits of Abkhazian and Syrian officials took place and close ties were established.

The day before, on May 28, a tripartite meeting of the Ambassadors of the Republic of Abkhazia, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Republic of South Ossetia in the Russian Federation took place, in the course of which the Ambassadors agreed on the text and the release date of the communiqué and exchanged relevant notes.

We highly value this step of the leadership of the Syrian Arab Republic and we are confident that our relations will be developing in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. I am certain that in the near future, peace will come to the Syrian land and that its people will start a peaceful life”, he said, according to his website.

This is a developing story

Michigan recognizes Artsakh independence

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Michigan became the 8th U.S. state to recognize the independent Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh) on Thursday, with the overwhelming passage of S.R.99, spearheaded by Senator David Knezek.

“The Michigan Senate vote for Artsakh independence represents a resounding reaffirmation of our enduring American commitment to democratic self-determination and an equally powerful blow against Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s ongoing aggression against this peaceful republic,” said ANC of Mich. Chair Lara Nercessian.  “Armenians from the Great Lakes State and across the U.S. commend Sen. Knezek and his fellow State Senators for standing strong with the people of Artsakh.”

 

Spanish city of Valencia recognizes Armenian Genocide

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Valencia recognizes Armenian GenocideOn June 9, the local Self-government Council of Spain’s Valencia city passed a resolution recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide.

According to the Facebook post of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Coalició Compromís, València en Comú and Socialist party voted in favor of the resolution introduced by Armenian Union Ararat, thus condemning the first genocide of the 20th century and urging the Valencia parliament, Spanish government, as well as Turkey to follow their example.

 

Source Panorama.am

Spain’s Sabadell city recognizes Armenian Genocide

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Sabadell city in the Catalonia autonomous community of Spain has formally recognized Armenian Genocide.

Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned the abovementioned from the Embassy of Armenia to Spain.

The leaders of all political forces in the Sabadell city hall have signed a joint statement, according to which what had occurred over 100 years ago is defined as genocide and a crime against humanity.




“Any crime committed against humanity must be condemned, so that such things do not recur in any corner of the world, with the representatives of any nation, race, or creed. The Sabadell municipal authorities officially recognize the Armenian Genocide,” reads the joint statement.

The Ciudadanos (Citizens) Party is the creator of this document. Party spokesperson Adrián Hernández noted that they welcome the respective support by their associate parties in the city council, since this enables Sabadell to join the other Spanish cities which already have formally recognized and condemned Armenian Genocide.

Spain’s Mérida city recognizes Armenian Genocide

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merida cityMérida city of Spain officially recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide on June 9.

All the four political forces of the City Council unanimously approved the petition of Ararat Armenian Union, Armenian MFA press-service reports.

The adopted institutional statement qualifies the 1915-23 events as a crime against humanity and first genocide of the 20th century.

U.S. State of Georgia recognizes Karabakh

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Georgia state

Peach State becomes Sixth to Recognize Artsakh’s Freedom
ATLANTA—The Georgia State House adopted legislation Wednesday recognizing the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh and calling upon the international community “to give appropriate recognition to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic as a free, independent, and sovereign democracy,” reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Eastern Region.

The Georgia resolution was spearheaded by Representatives Pat Gardner (D-Atlanta) and Demetrius Douglas (D-Stockbridge), both broadly respected Members of the legislature with strong records on education and human rights related issues. The legislators worked closely with ANC of Georgia advocates Dr. Sarkis Agasarkisian and Harutyun Agasarkisian, who have, for more than a decade, worked closely with federal, state and local officials on issues dealing with the Armenian Genocide and broader concerns dealing with Armenia and Artsakh.

“The Georgia Armenian community applauds the leadership of Representatives Gardner and Douglas in securing Georgia’s recognition of Nagorno Karabakh, affirming the universality of the democratic rights and freedoms that are the birthright of Americans and all the citizens of the world,” said Dr. Agasarkisian. “Having taken this proud and principled stand, we now look now to other American states to join with Georgia in recognizing Artsakh.”

The measure, H.R. 1580, which was brought to the floor for a vote on March 2nd and overwhelmingly adopted on a bipartisan basis, makes Georgia the sixth U.S. state to pass legislation recognizing the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, including California, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

In a series of whereas clauses, H.R. 1580 sets forth the facts regarding Nagorno Karabakh and its enduring struggle for freedom. The measure, in addition to calling for formal international recognition of Artsakh’s independence, recognizes the “sacrifices, dedication, and resolve shown by the people of the republic in the face of extreme adversity” and “extends best wishes for peace, prosperity, and continuing success.”

“We are profoundly gratified that America’s fundamental commitment to freedom is powerfully affirmed today in the state of Georgia’s principled recognition of the independence of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh. This action truly underscores that the citizens of Georgia see liberty as an inalienable right, not just for Americans but for all the peoples of the earth,” said the Stephen Mesrobian, ANCA Eastern Region Chairman. “We thank the Agasarkisian family and all our local activists, and look forward to working with all our community and coalition partners to grow American support for Artsakh’s independence in cities and states across our great nation.”

The full text of the Resolution is provided below.

House Resolution 1580
By: Representatives Gardner of the 57th and Douglas of the 78th

A RESOLUTION: Honoring and recognizing the Nagorno Karabakh Republic; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic has a long and storied history, holding a cherished place in the Armenian people’s history and culture; and

WHEREAS, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic 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, becoming 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 Nagorno Karabakh Republic have shown tenacity and perseverance in the face of war, massacres, economic deprivation, and other tremendous hardships; and

WHEREAS, for more than 20 years, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic has 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, international observers, including the United States, have assessed the May 3, 2015, Parliamentary Elections in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic as free and transparent.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body honor the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and its citizens; recognize the sacrifices, dedication, and resolve shown by the people of the republic in the face of extreme adversity; extend best wishes for peace, prosperity, and continuing success; and encourage the international community to give appropriate recognition to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic as a free, independent, and sovereign democracy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

Latin American Parliament recognizes Armenian Genocide

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Latin-AmericaThe Latin American Parliament(Parlatino) approved on Friday resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide, Prensa Armenia reported.

The Panama-based body that was created in 1964 with the Declaration of Lima, and is composed by the National Congresses and Legislative Assemblies of all Iberoamerica.

“ Among many other topics covered by Executive Board of the Latin American Parliament and the Caribbean Declaration, the recognition of the Armenian Genocide was supported almost unanimously (with one abstention),”  wrote National Deputy of Montevideo Alfredo Asti a few minutes later. “ Uruguay was a pioneer in the world in this recognition 50 years ago and today we strongly supported this position.”

Belgian Prime Minister recognizes the Armenian Genocide

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Charles-Michel-620x300Belgian Prime Minister said that the tragic events committed between 1915-1917 in the Ottoman Empire should be “considered a genocide,” Public Rdaio of Armenia reports, quoting Belgian Le Soir.

Prime Minister Charles Michel acknowledged Thursday on behalf of his government, the Armenian genocide a century ago committed by the Young Turk government.

“The relationship between history and the future are occasionally complicated. My position is well known, I am of the view that the tragic events should be labeled as genocide, and that is the position of the Belgian government,” Charles Michel declared in the Parliament today.

Welcoming this statement, MP Peter De Roover (N-VA) announced the filing of a resolution allowing to move forward on this issue.

Australia’s Willoughby City Council recognizes Armenian Genocide

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191933Willoughby City Council, in Sydney’s North Shore, has passed a motion recognising the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia).
On Monday, May11, Willoughby City Council – the municipality that is home to many thousands of Sydney-Armenians, as well as to Armenian churches and community centres – considered the motion, which reads: “Willoughby City Council recognises the genocide of the Armenian, Greek and Assyrians peoples by the then Ottoman Government between 1915 and 1922 and condemns these and all other acts of genocide and crimes against humanity as the ultimate act of intolerance”.
The motion was introduced in what is the Armenian Genocide’s Centenary year by long-standing friend of the Armenian-Australian community, Councillor John Hooper, and was seconded by Councillor Judith Rutherford. It passed unanimously, making Willoughby City Council the second Australian local government to recognise the Armenian Genocide after Ryde City Council.
ANC Australia’s executive director, Vache Kahramanian, addressed the Council meeting to speak in favour of the motion and on the importance of Armenian genocide recognition as a mechanism to prevent future instances of genocide being perpetrated.
Upon passage of the motion, Kahramanian remarked: “I thank Councillor Hooper and Willoughby City’s Councillors for adding their formal recognition of the Armenian genocide. Such motions send the clearest signal that genocide denial has no place in the twenty first century.”
“There is a national movement in Australia towards recognition which will ultimately lead to the Commonwealth Parliament also affirming the historical reality of the Armenian genocide,” Kahramanian added.
The motion adopted by Willoughby City Council comes only weeks after Ryde City Council reaffirmed its long standing position on the Armenian Genocide.
The text of the Willoughby City Council motion reads:
That:
Willoughby City Council recognises the genocide of the Armenian, Greek and Assyrians peoples by the then Ottoman Government between 1915 and 1922 and condemns these and all other acts of genocide and crimes against humanity as the ultimate act of intolerance.Z
Willoughby City Council endorses the resolution of the NSW Parliament on 17 April 1997 that it:
recognises and condemns the Genocide of the Armenians by the then Ottoman Government between 1915 and 1922, and designated 24 April of every year thereafter as a day of remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who fell victim to the first genocide of the twentieth century;
recognises that Assyrians and Greeks were subjected to qualitatively similar genocides by the then Ottoman Government between 1915 and 1922;
reaffirms its condemnation of the genocide of the Assyrians, Armenians and Greeks, and all other acts of genocide as the ultimate act of intolerance;
recognises the importance of remembering and learning from such dark chapters in human history to ensure that such crimes against humanity are not allowed to be repeated;
acknowledges and pays tribute to the contribution of the Anzac servicemen who aided the survivors of the genocide; and acknowledges the significant humanitarian relief contribution made by the people of New South Wales to the victims and survivors of the genocide.
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Ավստրալիայի Ուիլոուբի քաղաքի խորհուրդը ճանաչել է Հայոց ցեղասպանությունը․ Tert.am
ANC Australia. WILLOUGHBY CITY COUNCIL IN AUSTRALIA RECOGNISES THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE