Assemblymember Chris Holden’s Legislation Condemning Azerbaijan’s Blockade of Artsakh Clears Policy Committee

Sacramento, CA – Today, Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bill, Assembly Joint Resolution 1 (AJR 1), which condemns Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh passed the Assembly Committee on Judiciary. The bill calls on the Biden Administration to recognize the independence of Artsakh and to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its actions.

“It has been over 100 days since this blockade began. During this unconscionable act, over 120,000 Armenians, including women, children, the elderly and disabled, have been cut off from essential supplies, such as food, fuel, and medicine. It is imperative that California and the Biden Administration speak with one voice that the Lachin Corridor must be opened, emergency humanitarian assistance must be provided, and Azerbaijan must face the consequences of its aggression,” said Assemblymember Holden.

AJR 1 reaffirms California’s support for the continuing efforts of Armenians of Artsakh to develop as a free and independent nation, urges the President and Congress of the United States to support the self-determination of the Armenians of Artsakh, and calls on the President of the United States and the United States Department of State to engage proactively in multilateral conflict resolution efforts to reach a lasting resolution to this conflict.

“Assemblymember Holden has been a longtime friend of the Armenian community. He once again has shown his unwavering support during these trying times, when Armenians in Artsakh are facing extermination by the Azerbaijani government. The Armenian American community is thankful for Mr. Holden presenting a joint resolution calling on the Azeri government to end its illegal blockade and to hold Azerbaijani government accountable for its relentless aggression,” said ANCA National Board Member Aida Dimejian.

The bill heads to the Assembly Floor for deliberation and a vote from the full body.