US Congressman Tim Johnson came out with a statement concerning the tenth anniversary of proclamation of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic independence. The document welcomed formation of democratic institutions in NKR and the aspiration of the Karabakh people to form legitimate representative bodies. The statement says that during the past ten years the Karabakh people faced incredible difficulties during the struggle for self-determination, independence, peace and stability, and it stresses the necessity of recognition of the Republic's independence. The press release, spread in this connection by the Armenian Assembly of America, says "the Armenian Diaspora of the United States welcomes Johnson's statement on the eve of the elections of NKR local government bodies".