NKR FOREIGN MINISTRY RESPONSE TO REFERENDUM IN MONTENEGRO

Azat Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
01 June 2006

Holding a referendum on independence in Montenegro on May 25, 2006 and
the willingness of the international community to recognize its results
are, on the whole, a positive fact. We believe that honouring the right
of a nation for self-determination expressed through a referendum is a
cornerstone in the settlement of similar situations and a real tool in
establishing political stability in the area of conflict. With regard
to this it is proper to remind that the violation of the right of the
people of Nagorno Karabakh, who voted for independence on December
10, 1991, enabled Azerbaijan to launch military aggression, which
killed many people and caused destruction. Neglecting the right of the
people of NKR for self-determination and the right for guarantees of
their political independence, economic and military security in the
settlement of the Karabakh-Azerbaijani conflict put off the prospect
of mutually acceptable settlements and sustainable peace and mutual
understanding in the region.