PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION

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

The parliamentary election in NKR took place. The high turnout of
voters proved that promotion of democracy in the country is going
on. On the day of the election we visited several polling stations.
The voters were obviously active. At the polling station 4/4 in
Stepanakert no irregularities were reported by the proxies and
observers. Like in the previous elections there were problems with the
electoral registers; many voters did not find their names on the
rolls. They were allowed to vote only after going through the
procedure of registering. The international observers did not report
any particular irregularities either (they preferred to state their
opinions after the polls). Certain observers, for example, Pascal
Bockers, refused to give an interview. From his words it was felt that
he feared his comments could cause problems with Azerbaijan. There was
a high turnout of voters at the polling station 1/1 in Stepanakert.
There was a big group of observers and journalists there. The head of
state and his wife were voting in this polling station. President
Arkady Ghukassian said that hopefully all the problems and tensions of
the campaign were behind, and the election would pass in accordance
with the law. We have to think more about the ideas and goals which
unite us and not the ones which divide, he said. According to the
president, taking into account the attitude of Azerbaijan towards any
event in Karabakh and avoiding complicated relationships with
Azerbaijan, the observers are somewhat reserved in expressing their
opinions. But A. Ghukassian believes that they are attentively
following the polls. A lot depends on this election. The mediators
know that the alternative to the election is the totalitarian regime
(naturally, they are not interested in establishing a totalitarian
regime here). There is no alternative to our elections. The formal
discretion of the co-chairs and the international observers are, in my
opinion, determined by the wish of not spoiling relationships with
Azerbaijan, said the president of NKR. The head of state shares the
opinion that the presidential election 2005 will be important for the
settlement of the Karabakh issue. Today we must prove that we are a
democratic state and differ from totalitarian Azerbaijan. And
democratic Karabakh has no place in the totalitarian republic of
Azerbaijan, he said. The journalists were interested to know the
attitude of A. Ghukassian toward the opposition. He said he is for
constructive opposition, for there is no development without
opposition. The head of state expressed commitment to cooperate with
the opposition in case it wins the polls, adding that he is ready for
constructive cooperation with any force. In reference to the
statements of Azerbaijan on promoting dialogue between the Armenian
and Azerbaijani communities A. Ghukassian said Karabakh is ready for
any kinds of relationships with Azerbaijan, but Azerbaijan should
first organize such meetings with the Greek, Ukrainian, Russian and
Portuguese communities in Karabakh. I approve all kinds of
relationships but creating an illusion that Karabakh is not a conflict
party but a mere community (which Azerbaijan is attempting to do)
which must set up relationships with another community is not a
serious step. This proves the unserious approach of Azerbaijan.

Reluctant to negotiate with Karabakh, they delay the resolution of
many problems that worry people. Generally, I do not see any problems
in setting up relationships. On June 19th the speaker of the National
Assembly of NKR Oleg Yessayan voted at the electoral district 5 in
Stepanakert. Then he met with the journalists. Mr. Yessayan, what are
your expectations from the new parliament? O.Yessayan: Great will and
seriousness is what we expect from the parliament of the fourth
convocation. I say this also in the name of the parliament. We will be
pleased if in five years our colleagues of the parliament of the
fourth convocation report that they have outdone the activities of the
National Assembly in all aspects. This will be genuine evidence to the
progress of our country, the people and the authorities. Why arent you
standing for parliament this time? O.Y.: This time I take part in the
election as a voter. I do not want to give different answers to this
question because I was already asked the question. The parliament in
Karabakh is 14 years old, and I have been in the parliament for 12
years. I think this is enough for one and it is time to occupy myself
with something else and let other people work. What are, in your
opinion as an experienced parliamentarian, the priorities of the
parliament? O.Y.: The activity of the parliament is enclosed in the
circle of its jurisdiction, maintained by legislation. First of all, a
large number of laws have been enacted in the country and, thanks God,
in our country the laws perform their role, revealing the drawbacks of
the existing legislation and existing laws, because a law which is not
applied has no disadvantages. Therefore, I think, one of the main
activities of our colleagues will be adopting amendments to the
existing legislation. We have many laws to which dozens of amendments
were adopted. I think it is time to adopt the revised projects of
these laws. Of course, the other direction will be the adoption of new
laws. Finally, one cannot say that the entire system of public,
political, social and economic relationships has been regulated. New
laws need to be adopted. Naturally, one of the main functions of the
new parliament is parliamentary control. I think everybody realizes
the importance of raising it to a higher level. Were there
irregularities in the election campaign? I do not have any information
because I am not running for parliament myself. At least, the
parliament did not receive complaints. But if there are such problems,
I believe, these will be discussed at the meetings of parliament by
the political forces and the authorities. If we say that the
authorities are responsible for fair and transparent elections, why
not say then that they are interested in it most of all. Will your
further activities be connected with Artsakh? O.Y.: Several days ago I
would have given a different answer. But there is already the decree
of the president of the Republic of Armenia; I think, I will deal with
politics to the extent determined by my occupation. As a native of
Karabakh I have never placed Karabakh Armenians above other Armenians
living in other places but I have always been proud to be a native of
Karabakh. At least, from this point of view I will always be concerned
about Karabakh. At 11.30 the prime minister of NKR Anoushavan
Danielian came to vote at the polling station 4/4. A. Danielian
described the election as one of the best elections held in the
post-Soviet space. The flow of people to polling stations early in the
morning, according to him, means that the people and the authorities
are united by the idea of having a democratic independent state and
aspire to achieve this goal. The event is truly historical; it is an
important step towards a free, independent and democratic state. I
have already talked to international observers and I think their
evaluation of the election will be high. This is one of the best
elections held in the post-Soviet space. We have done our best to
achieve such results, he said. The prime minister is optimistic about
the next parliament.

AA.
22-06-2005