OFFICIAL STEPANAKERT SUGGESTS SENDING A GROUP OF EXPERTS TO NAGORNO-KARABAKH
ArmRadio.am
14.04.2006 14:25
NKR Foreign Minister Georgi Petrosyan and Head of Police Armen
Isagulov sent a letter to US Assistant Secretary of State, Head of
the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of
the US Department of State Anne Patterson, in which they stated that
” Nagorno-Karabakh is not a transit country for drug trafficking.”
The letter particularly 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 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, we want to call your
attention to an issue of high importance to the NKR authorities.
Different from previous years, in 2006 the State Department’s
International Narcotics Control Strategy Report mentions
Nagorno-Karabakh as a transit territory for drugs. We do not have
doubts that the information is provided by Azerbaijan, which has
made the 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 Nagorno-Karabakh 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.