MEETING IN NKR GOVERNMENT

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
04 June 05

On May 30th the prime minister of NKR Anoushavan Danielian met with
the representatives of the branch of France of the pan-Armenian
foundation “Hayastan”, who are visiting the republic on a charity
mission. The head of the government emphasized the role of the Armenian
Diaspora in overcoming the consequences of the war, reconstruction
of the ruined settlements and solution of the social and economic
problems. He thanked the guests for their contribution to raising
money for the construction of the highway “North-South”, emphasizing
that along with the Armenians of France, the French people also
contributed to this campaign for Artsakh, for they have always had
a special attitude toward Armenia, the Armenians and Artsakh. As
there were also French people present at the meeting, the prime
minister of Armenia thanked the government of France and the French
people too. “The Armenians of Artsakh never forget that in such a
crucial period the Diaspora supports Artsakh economically and morally,
contributing to strengthening the independence of NKR,” said Anoushavan
Danielian. “Visiting Drmbon today, you, probably, became convinced
that life there regains its normal course. The village that had been
razed to the ground during the war has completely changed, and has
good prospects for progress. Nearly 1000 people are employed in the
factory, mainly the young people from the neighbouring villages. The
new school building of the village was opened on the day of celebration
of the Last Bell as the best present to the pupils and the staff
of the school. All this is the result of the intensive roadworks
on the highway road “North-South”, which you witnessed during your
trip.” The participants of the meeting discussed several questions on
the home and foreign policies of the country, particularly referring
to the resolution of the NKR conflict. It was mentioned that the
pipeline Baku-Geihan is a powerful economic leverage in the hands of
Azerbaijan, and it was asked what potential for economic development
Nagorno Karabakh possesses. In reference to this A. Danielian said,
“We have every possibility to build a free, independent, democratic
state which will be the pride of our nation. Many compare Karabakh
to Switzerland – a country which is not rich in natural resources
either. I am sure that a democratic country which is guided by
liberal concepts and defends the human rights has better prospect
for development than a tyranny, rich in natural resources.” The
guests wanted to know the opinion of the prime minister concerning
the referendum on the Constitution of Europe. A. Danielian said,
“I think, if the referendum on the Constitution of the European Union
were held in the countries of “older Europe”, France would not be
the only country to vote against it. The problem is, in my opinion,
that older Europe launched the process of enlargement which is a
heavy load for it too early, for the countries of older Europe are
the “trailer” of the European Union. Nevertheless, I am sure, Europe
will find a way out of this puzzle with more realistic approaches,”
emphasized the NKR prime minister.

AA. 04-06-2005