The Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), were joined today by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA) in congratulating the citizens of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) on overwhelmingly approving a pro-independence constitution in a popular referendum held on December 10th, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)

In a December 11th letter to Artsakh President Arkady Ghoukasian, the two Caucus leaders welcomed the adoption of the first-ever constitution as a key milestone in Nagorno Karabakh's political and democratic progress

Commenting on the referendum, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated, "I congratulate the people of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh for reaffirming their commitment to freedom, peace, economic development, and regional stability by democratically adopting a new constitution. By establishing a market economy, holding free and fair elections, and promoting human rights, the people of Nagorno Karabagh have shown that they deserve an independent state free from the oppressive Azerbaijani regime."