Medal of Gratitude was bestowed to California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon

14 October, 2015

By the decree of the President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan Medal of Gratitude was bestowed to California Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon in appreciation of his support in the international recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
Consul General of RA in LA Sergey Sarkisov delivered the high award of Artsakh to Kevin de Leon expressing his appreciation for the latter's dedication to Armenian issues.
It should be mentioned that last August both Houses of California State Assembly adopted resolution AJR 32 on recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. State senators and congressmen stated in the document that they welcomed the ongoing efforts of Nagorno Karabakh to develop as a free and independent state and urged the US President and Congress to follow their example and support the self-determination efforts and democratic independence of the Nagorno- Karabakh Republic.
"People living on that land have suffered enough and they deserve to live in a free and democratic state. California can become a pioneer in changing the world opinion. With that said, I ask for your support in Artsakh's democracy, freedom and international recognition", said California Senate President Kevin de Leon in his speech. Due to his efforts, the resolution was adopted despite the obstacles created by the Azerbaijani lobby, and, thus, California became the 5th US state to recognize the Artsakh Republic officially.
"I'm deeply touched by this honor. And I express my gratitude to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Their fight for independence deserves respect, and I was given this award for my support to that cause."

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