WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America, the largest, non-partisan Armenian American advocacy organization in the United States, welcomed news that the Ohio House of Representatives’ Rules and Reference Committee passed House Resolution 367 (HR 367) on December 1, 2020. The resolution is now referred to the House’s Federalism Committee, which is scheduled to hold a hearing on HR 367 on Tuesday, December 8.
Ohio State Representative J. Todd Smith (R-43) formally introduced HR 367 last month to condemn the coordinated military assault on Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan and Turkey, and to formally recognize the people of Artsakh’s right to self-government.
“We applaud Representative Smith and his leadership on this important issue,” said Ara Bagdasarian, State of Ohio Chair of the Armenian Assembly of America. “The people of Artsakh have suffered greatly from the six-week war launched against them by Azerbaijan and supported by the government of Turkey. The U.S. must take a stand, including ensuring the safe return of prisoners of war. The Armenian community looks forward to continuing to work with Rep. Smith and his colleagues,” added Bagdasarian.
Summary text of HR 367:
To condemn Azerbaijan’s coordinated offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, to denounce Turkish interference in the conflict, and to urge the United States Department of State to work for an enduring peace based on a recognition of the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination.
The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
Armenian Assembly of America