Armenian National Committee of America
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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ARMENIAN DELEGATION TO OSCE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY
THANKS STATES THAT HAVE RECOGNIZED THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
— Delegation Head Praises Karabagh’s Elections, Calls for Baku
to Restore Direct Ties to Karabagh’s Government, and Notes
Armenia’s Progress on Constitutional and Electoral Reforms
WASHINGTON, DC – Speaking in Washington, DC at the July 4th plenary
session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA), the head of the
Armenian delegation, Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament
Vahan Vahan Hovhannisian briefed over 300 parliamentarians from 55
OSCE member states about recent developments in Armenia and the
South Caucasus region, reported the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA). Joining Vahan Hovhannisian as members of the OSCE
PA delegation were Artashes Geghamyan, MP and Samvel Nikoyan, MP.
At the outset of his remarks, Hovhannisian noted to his colleagues
that 2005 marked the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
commenting that “it would not be an exaggeration to say that most
of the current problems in our region stem from those tragic
events.” He went on to thank the OSCE member states that have
recognized the Armenian Genocide, among them Cyprus, Canada,
Russia, Greece, Belgium, Sweden, France, Italy, Switzerland,
Slovakia, Netherlands, Poland, and Germany.
Hovhannisian praised the conduct of the recent Parliamentary
elections in Nagorno Karabagh, the fourth held by the Republic
since independence in 1991. Noting the positive findings of
international election observers, he pointed out that, “Some of
Nagorno Karabakh’s neighbors can learn a great deal from its
example of holding democratic elections.”
In a related matter, the ANCA has supported the efforts of
Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-CA), the Chairman of the
International Relations Subcommittee on Europe, to pass
legislation, H.Res.326, calling for free and fair parliamentary
elections in Azerbaijan. This resolution outlines the expectations
of the U.S. regarding the upcoming November 2005 balloting, with a
special focus on preventing problems, reported in past elections by
international observers, regarding “inequality and irregularities
in campaign and election conditions, including intimidation against
opposition supporters, restrictions on political rallies by
opposition candidates, and voting fraud.”
Speaking directly to the Nagorno Karabagh peace talks, which are
mediated by the OSCE’s Minsk Group, Hovhannisian remarked that
other regional conflicts being addressed by the OSCE, such as
Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Moldova, are all characterized by
direct talks between the conflicting parties. “As such,” he
commented, “we do not see a reason why the Azerbaijani authorities
cannot do the same and try to restore their contacts with elected
authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh.”
In closing, Hovhannisian noted Armenia’s progress in revising its
Electoral Code in accordance with European standards, a move that
was welcomed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe. He added that the political parties in Armenia have, after
extensive deliberations, reached an agreement about constitutional
changes and amendments in accordance with the recommendations of
the Council of Europe.
#####
Text of Vahan Hovhannisian’s July 4, 2004 Speech at the OSCE PA
Thank you Mr. President.
Dear Colleagues,
I would like, today, to briefly update the Assembly on the key
elements of the current political situation and recent developments
in Armenia and the South Caucasus region.
But first, I would like to note that this April all Armenians
commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
perpetrated by the rulers of Ottoman Turkey starting in 1915. I
think it would not be an exaggeration to say that most of the
current problems in our region stem from those tragic events.
So, on this occasion, the Armenian delegation would like to express
our deep gratitude to the people and parliaments of the OSCE member
countries that, having found the courage not to remain silent, have
adopted the resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide. These
countries include Cyprus, Canada, Russia, Greece, Belgium, Sweden,
France, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Netherlands, Poland, and
Germany. Their actions represent vital steps toward urging all
governments and parliaments to be alert to the threats of new
genocides and vigilant in taking practical steps to preventing any
possible further attempts of genocide in any part of the world.
This is especially important today in light of our neighbor
Turkey’s efforts to secure EU membership even as it imposes a one-
sided blockade on the Republic of Armenia and refuses to establish
diplomatic relations with Armenia.
Dear colleagues, two weeks ago the people of Nagorno Karabakh
Republic held parliamentary elections for the fourth time since
establishing independence in 1991. As many international observers
stated in their reports, the elections were conducted freely and in
transparent manner. I want to thank the independent observers from
many countries, who have done so much important work in the place
of international organizations such as our distinguished Assembly,
for their excellent efforts in monitoring these elections and their
fair and unbiased attitude. Their reports clearly show that
Nagorno Karabakh cannot be considered a “lawless zone.” Some of
Nagorno Karabakh’s neighbors can learn a great deal from its
example of holding democratic elections.
Dear colleagues, we witnessed the adoption of resolutions on
Abkhazia and Moldova. We see how much heated discussions they
generated. But they have one important thing in common: both
Georgian and Moldavian authorities in their sincere desire to
settle these conflicts have been directly negotiating – and are
prepared to do so in the future – with the authorities of Abkhazia,
South Ossetia and Transdnestria. As such, we do not see a reason
why the Azerbaijani authorities cannot do the same and try to
restore their contacts with elected authorities of the Nagorno
Karabakh, as was proposed by Mr. Lennmarker in his report. I would
like to use this opportunity to join our distinguished President in
commending the outstanding job done by his Special Representative
G. Lennmarker, whose ideas on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict may
provide the basis for future cooperation between the Parliaments of
Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Finally, I would like to note that earlier this year the Armenian
Parliament revised the Electoral Code in accordance with European
standards, a move which was welcomed by the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Council of Europe. The political parties in Armenia have,
at last, reached an agreement about constitutional changes and
amendments in accordance with the recommendations of the Venice
Commission. This accomplishment, I am glad to report, fulfills our
obligations to the Council of Europe.
Thank you very much.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress