WORD OF GREETING OF NKR PRESIDENT

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
05 July 05

Most Reverend Father, dear members of parliament, dear guests, I want to
congratulate the newly-elected members of the NKR National Assembly on
getting the confidence of the voters and wish them success in their
responsible mission. The June 19 election imparted the public and
political life of the country with new quality and meaning. For the
first time our citizens were given a chance to vote both for candidates
and political parties, which shifts the political relationships to a new
level in our country. The authorities of the country did their best to
hold a free, fair and transparent election, which was affirmed by the
international, Armenian and local observers. I consider any attempt to
vilify the election as groundless and impertinent. It is impossible to
overlook what is conspicuous. A truly free, fair and transparent
election was held in our country. I am grateful to our people for their
participation in the election. Such a turnout is a vote of confidence to
democratic reforms, asserting that every citizen can have a direct
participation in the formation of the authorities of the country. People
have made their choice and are now expecting for their hopes to fulfill.
The expectations of the other branches of power are also great; the
country needs a clear organization of the activities of all the branches
of power, political forces and the public potential, and only together
can we solve the problems of our people. The active standpoint of the
parliament on all the spheres of life in the country will spur the
activity of the government as well. We still have much to do; we have to
carry on with state building, social and economic development, improve
defence, sustain the achievements in creating a civil society, as well
as to focus on the preservation of spiritual and cultural values and to
establish new parliamentary relations. I believe that the new parliament
can be consistent in the solution of this and other issues. A week ago
you were rivals and opponents in the election campaign. Now you are
colleagues. The activity of the National Assembly supposes active
discussions and heated disputes. Nevertheless, in the political
traditions of mutual respect, ability to listen to and accept others’
opinions should be dominant in the parliament. The members of parliament
may have diverse political standpoints and viewpoints but they should be
united by the responsibility for the people and the country. As the
president of the country I am willing to cooperate with the political
forces represented in the parliament and anticipate the same on your
behalf. Good luck in your activities for the sake of our independent
statehood. Thank you.

AA.
05-07-2005