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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Resolution condemning the ethnic cleansing and genocide of Armenians in Artsakh
1. Resolution of the Council of the City of Glendale, California Condemning the Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide of the Armenian People of the Republic of Artsakh
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for February 6, 2024 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Councilmember Kassakhian requested, and the Council directed staff to prepare a resolution condemning the ethnic cleansing and genocide of Armenians in Artsakh be placed on the agenda for discussion by the full Council. On January 30, 2024, the Council directed staff to bring forward this resolution holding the Azerbaijani government leaders accountable for genocide.
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RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the resolution affirming Glendale's commitment to human rights and international justice.
ANALYSIS
On January 23, 2024, Councilmember Kassakhian requested a resolution condemning the ethnic cleansing and genocide of Armenians in Artsakh be placed on the agenda for discussion by the full Council. On January 30, 2024, the Council directed staff to bring forward a resolution.
Artsakh, formerly Nagorno Karabakh, is the ancestral homeland of Armenians, maintaining autonomy until 1921 when Joseph Stalin arbitrarily separated it from Armenia, placing it under Soviet Azerbaijan's control. In response to escalating anti- Armenian violence, Artsakh declared independence on September 2, 1991, leading to a war of aggression by Azerbaijan, human rights violations, and a Russian-brokered ceasefire. Over the next 25 years, Artsakh developed into a free and democratic society.
In September 2020, Azerbaijan launched a war, resulting in ethnic cleansing and documented human rights abuses. Despite a trilateral ceasefire in November 2020, Azerbaijan continued aggression, including a total blockade in December 2022, leaving 120,000 Armenians facing critical shortages. In September 2023, Azerbaijan’s militarily overwhelmed Artsakh, committing genocide and cleansing the region of Armenians.
Glendale, home to the largest Armenian American population in the US, has actively raised awareness about the plight of its indigenous Armenian population amidst Azerbaijan's relentless aggression. The U.S. acknowledged Azerbaijan's threat in 1992 with Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act in 1992, prohibiting assistance until blockades cease. The resolution finds Azerbaijan's leaders responsible for genocide, urging the U.S. to act under the Genocide Convention.
This Resolution emphasizes Glendale's commitment to addressing Azerbaijan's human rights violations and calls for U.S. action to prevent and punish the genocide preparators.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Not Applicable
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
Not applicable.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements. 3{{section.number}}c
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ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1. Modify the resolution.
2. Do not adopt the resolution.
3. Council may choose another alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Elena Bolbolian, Chief Innovation Officer
Prepared by:
Armineh Hoonanian, Principal Administrative Officer
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS