KARABAKH IS A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY

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

Nvard Ohanjanian: “Mr. Avanessov, you must have visited different
polling stations in Karabakh, observed the polls. How did the polls
pass from the logistical aspect?” Avanessov: “The polls
passed on a due level. Especially I was impressed by the work going
on at the press centre of the Central Election Committee. Free of
charge telephones were available there to communicate objective
information on the course and results of the election to different
countries of the world. Telephone communication with Yerevan was
available too. Of course, it would be good if the polling stations
were equipped with air conditioning, especially in summer weather. I
must say that I have also visited the polling stations of Stepanakert
and saw the degree of activity of the voters. This is surprising and
commendable.” N.O.: “What would you say about the political
significance of this event?” A.A.: “I think elections in
Karabakh must be organized better than in the US or any other
civilized country. In his interview NKR Prime Minister Anoushavan
Danielian said it is not the results of the election that matter but
the reputation of the state. Karabakh must prove to the world that it
is a democratic country. If you do not believe, come and see
yourselves.” N.O.: “In your opinion, will the interest of the
world in Karabakh, which has not been recognized by the international
community yet, grow?” A.A.: “I believe that the parliamentary
election will greatly promote the international recognition of
Karabakh. In the press conference Constantine Zatulin stated that he
had officially requested the government of the Russian Federation to
provide sums from the State Budget 2006 funds for fostering democracy
outside of Russian Federation. And this is normal because similar
measures are taken in any developed country. That is to say, if the
USA takes such measures in reference to Nagorno Karabakh, officially
or non-officially, why cannot the Russian Federation do the same? The
fact that a large delegation arrived from the USA the majority of the
members of which are former officers of the US State Department means
something.” A.A.: “What is your opinion about the failure of
the Alliance ARF-Movement 88 in the election? What will the new
parliament be like? Will it have an opposition in the course of
time?” A.A.: “Yes, I am aware of the defeat of the
oppositionist party, the alliance but I do not know the reasons. In
fact, the picture is the following. There are 33 seats in the
parliament and only three have been taken by the opposition. I cannot
predict what position the representatives of the Azat Hayrenik Party
will take, whether they will adhere to the oppositions or not. The
same can be said about the candidates elected under the majority
system.” N.O.: “Let us pass to another topic. Mr. Avanessov,
what is your opinion about the protracted talks for the Karabakh
issue? Do you think the key to its resolution will ever be
found?” A.A.: “The delay is favourable for the Armenians.
Eleven years have passed since the ceasefire. And today I come to
understand the position of the Republic of Armenia on this subject,
which is to delay the time; another ten years and the issue will stop
existing. Whatever Azerbaijan does will befall the next generation. I
want to emphasize another fact as well. The soldiers of the Defence
Army are conscious of why they defend the borders of their
motherland. They have families, children in the rear. Yet the
soldiers of the Azerbaijani army, in case war is resumed, do not know
what they are going to fight for. This is the difference. This is one
thing. On the other hand, the propaganda machine of Azerbaijan
carries out tremendous work to slander the Armenian side. What we
need is that our diplomacy starts working more intensively in this
direction and conveys the truth to people.” N.O.: “Mr.
Avanessov, if the talks come to a deadlock in a certain stage, do you
think one of the parties, particularly the Armenian party will be
pressed to accept an unacceptable solution?” A.A.: “The
threat of compelling has persisted and will persist. There will,
probably, be proposals, but the Armenian side must realize whether
these are acceptable or not. Besides, no trade on the status of
Nagorno Karabakh is acceptable, which is the pivotal principle. Of
course, deadlock in the talks is not excluded. It may occur in 10 or
15 years. Generally, it is difficult to predict but Azerbaijan may
start military actions in this period. Most probably, there will be
no war in the near future, as long as the oil factor, the factor of
the oil pipeline Baku – Geyhan exists.” N.O.: “What about
the statements on returning territories, manipulated by
Azerbaijan?” A.A.: “I consider the issue of returning
territories to be an unserious topic, unserious talk, and it goes
without saying that the winner side cannot take such a step and will
never do.”

NVARD OHANJANIAN.
26-06-2005