NKR MFA: KARABAKH NOT DRUG TRANSIT WAY
Yerkir
14.04.2006 12:32
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – The other day FM of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
Grigory Petrosyan and Head of the NKR Police Department Armen Isagulov
sent a letter to Anne W. Patterson, US Assistant Secretary of Bureau
for International Narcotics, reports the Press Service of the NKR MFA.
The letter specifically says, “Appreciating and welcoming the
contribution of the United Stated in establishment of genuine
democratic principles in the international relations, as well as
consistent efforts of US co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, aimed at
resolution of the NK conflict, we want to call your attention to an
issue of high importance to the NKR authorities.
In 2006, as different from previous years the State Department’s
International Narcotics Control Strategy Report mentions NK as a
transit territory for drugs. We do not have doubts that the information
is provided by Azerbaijan, which has made adulteration and discredit
of the Armenian party its state policy. We express categorical
disagreement over such a respected Report utilizing unconfirmed data.
Thereupon we assure you with all responsibility that Nagorno Karabakh
is not a transit way for drugs not only due to absence of a developed
transport and communication system owing to continued blockade by
Azerbaijan, but also as a result of efficient preventive work of NKR
law-enforcement bodies.”
The letter further cites facts, evidencing the aforementioned
arguments. Specifically, the authors of the letter write, “The
Office of Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office,
which regularly monitors the cease-fire regime, can confirm absence
of any criminal facts and actions here.”
They also draw attention that the OSCE fact-finding mission, composed
of over 30 diplomats and experts, accompanied by the OSCE MG co-chairs,
visited NK in January-February 2005. “The detailed monitoring contains
no mentioning of such negative facts.
On behalf of NKR authorities again expressing readiness to receive
a special monitoring group, composed of experts, who can provide
an independent conclusion, the letter authors frankly believe that
“the US State Department will have an opportunity to make sure at
the scene that the above-stated is true and stop alarm over issues
that can more complicate the peace process and postpone prospects
of peace and stability.” Copies of the letter are sent to US State
Secretary Condoleezza Rice, US co-chair of the OSCE MG Steven Mann,
National Drug Control Policy Director John Walters.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
