October 7, 2020

View PDF of document

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 319

Rep. Manoogian offered the following resolution:

A resolution to condemn Azerbaijan's coordinated offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh and denounce Turkish interference in the conflict and to urge the United States Department of State to work with the co-chairs of the Minsk Group and the governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Artsakh to achieve a long-lasting and peaceful resolution to this conflict.

Whereas, Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, is a territory located in the South Caucasus region that has historically been populated by ethnic Armenians and is governed by the Republic of Artsakh; and

Whereas, The people of Artsakh overwhelmingly voted to support independence. On December 10, 1991, despite continued violence against the people of Artsakh, a popular referendum proclaiming an independent republic took place during the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Under the watchful eye of more than 50 international observers, and in full compliance with international standards for a free and fair election, more than 80 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot, and the measure passed with 98 percent in favor. On January 6, 1992, the democratically elected Parliament of Artsakh adopted the Declaration of Independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; and

Whereas, The State of Michigan supported the recognition of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh with the passage of Senate Resolution 99 of 2017; and

Whereas, Since September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan has engaged in the most significant military operation along the line of contact with Nagorno-Karabakh since the signing of the cease-fire agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 1994. This attack follows increasingly aggressive rhetoric and destabilizing actions on the part of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev's government towards Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, including a July 2020 Defense Ministry threat to bomb Armenia's Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant; and

Whereas, Azerbaijan's ongoing military offensive, which includes the shelling of Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh's most densely populated city with a population of 55,200, has resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians and wounded hundreds. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 84 Nagorno-Karabakh service members; and

Whereas, Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have declared martial law, mobilized their armed forces, and called up reserve forces; and

Whereas, According to multiple news reports, Azerbaijan's military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh may be part of a planned military operation. The conflict follows joint military exercises conducted by Turkey and Azerbaijan in August 2020. News accounts state that in weeks prior to Azerbaijan's military operation, Turkey recruited mercenaries from Syria and has facilitated their deployment to Azerbaijan. Additionally, the Armenian Foreign Ministry claims that Turkey is operating F-16 fighter jets in the region and shot down an Armenian Su-25 fighter jet in Armenian airspace, killing the pilot; and

Whereas, The conflict has the potential to escalate into proxy warfare among regional powers, including Turkey, and to further entrench the conflict and threaten peace and stability in the region. The United States, France, and Russia serve as co-chairs of the Minsk Group tasked with finding a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The co-chairs have urged a cease-fire and advised the parties to return to substantive negotiations as soon as possible. The European Union and the United Nations support a peaceful resolution and immediate cease-fire; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we condemn Azerbaijan's coordinated offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh and denounce Turkish interference in the conflict, and be it further

Resolved, That we urge the United States Department of State to work with the co-chairs of the Minsk Group and the governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Artsakh to achieve a long-lasting and peaceful resolution to this conflict; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the United States Secretary of State, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and members of the Michigan congressional delegation.

For more information: www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2020-HR-0319&QueryID=160214185