Karabakh leader calls for meeting European standards in elections

Karabakh leader calls for meeting European standards in elections

Interfax
June 18 2005

STEPANAKERT. June 18 (Interfax) – President Arkady Gukasian of
the self-proclaimed republic of Nagorno-Karabakh has called on
its residents to observe European democratic standards during the
elections to the local parliament on June 19, which, he said, could
promote international recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The upcoming elections are of great international importance for
Nagorno-Karabakh,” Gukasian said in an address circulated on Saturday.

The people should demonstrate to the world that democratic reforms
in Nagorno-Karabakh are irreversible, Gukasian said.

“If the upcoming parliamentary elections fail to meet European
standards, the image of our state and its authority on the
international arena will be seriously damaged, which could negatively
influence the process of settlement of our conflict with Azerbaijan,”
he said.

The Nagorno-Karabakh leader regretted that certain actions taken during
the election campaign could split society and deal an irreparable
blow to Nagorno-Karabakh’s security.

“I am calling on all political forces and candidates to respect the
people’s choice and work together to build the state and seek its
international recognition,” Gukasian said.
From: Baghdasarian