FOREIGN MINISTER’S COMMENTS
De Facto

Azat Artsakh Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
29 Aug 05

“Mr. Melikian, how would you comment on the fact that the Central
Election Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan has created an
electoral district for the people of Nagorno Karabakh Republic?” Arman
Melikian: “Establishing electoral districts by the CEC of Azerbaijan
for the population of the territories which are under the sovereignty
of NKR at present endangers the possible democratic reforms in the
Republic of Azerbaijan because thus the Azerbaijani authorities attain
a chance to use at least several hundreds of thousands of votes of
virtual voters in favour of the present rulers. A similar result
is expected from the proposed electronic ballot. The steps of the
CEC of Azerbaijan show that the local and international observers
will be unable to monitor the election duly.” De Facto: “Is it
possible that the NKR citizens take part in the upcoming election in
Azerbaijan?” A.M.: “The present legislation of NKR provides for dual
nationality for the citizens of NKR, and this means that if ever an
NKR citizen becomes national of the republic of Azerbaijan becoming
a dual national, the question of an interstate agreement between
NKR and Azerbaijan will occur, which will maintain the rights and
duties of persons who are nationals of both countries, including
the right for vote. This is usual practice in the world. In order
to sign such an agreement it is first necessary to solve a number of
problems. First of all, it is the question of recognition of Nagorno
Karabakh Republic, without which no further step can be taken. Second,
the legislation of Azerbaijan must provide for the right of dual
nationality and may undergo changes if necessary. Only after this
can the
interstate agreement be taken into consideration. I do not think that
the Republic of Azerbaijan will manage all the necessary actions before
the election in Azerbaijan, though everything depends on the will of
the Azerbaijani leaders, and any positive step in this direction will
be commended.”