A NEW STEP FORWARD IN DEMOCRATIZATION OF NAGORNO KARABAGH REPUBLIC

Yerkir, Armenia
Nov 13 2006

On November 1 the National Assembly of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic
approved the decision of holding a referendum on the draft constitution
of Nagorno Karabagh Republic.

Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s Artsakh organization has repeatedly
stressed the importance of adopting the Constitution of Nagorno
Karabagh Republic considering it one of the most urgent issues to
be addressed.

ARF has always had its representatives in the committees dealing with
adoption of the constitution. In the end of 1990’s ARF even developed
its draft of the constitution. Both ARF’s Artsakh organization and
the Deputy Group "ARF-Movement 88" participated actively in the
elaboration of the draft constitution.

We voted for putting this draft of the constitution for a referendum
because in addition to adoption of more than three dozens of proposals
we stress the importance of stating in the constitution a provision
on the territories, clear separation of power, limitation of the
president’s and government’s competencies and strengthening the role of
the National Assembly, introducing the main changes in the judiciary,
establishing the institute of the ombudsperson, etc.

All this derives from ARF’s strategic interests that are stated
in ARF’s Programme and the election platform of the ARF-Movement
88 deputy group. ARF’s Programme states, "Democracy is anchored on
respect for human and civil rights and liberties.

It protects pluralism, multi-party system and fundamental freedoms
of speech, conscience, media, and work. Democracy is characterized
by the individual’s right for free and equal vote and equality of
free citizens in front of the law.

It ensures free and unrestricted expression of the people’s will
and people’s full participation in political, social, economic
and cultural life through various organizations and representative
institutions thus making the interaction between the state and the
people efficient. Democracy is characterized by separation and balance
of legislative, judicial and executive powers".

The electoral platform of ARF-Movement 88 Deputy Group states,
"ARF-Movement 88 Deputy Group believes the consolidation of the public
administration and judicial systems must be anchored on the following
principles. Adoption of Nagorno Karabagh Republic’s constitution
through wide discussion among the population and the political forces
and finally a referendum is of crucial importance.

It will ensure separation of legislative, executive and judicial power
clearly defining their functions and the mechanisms for mutual checks
and balances.

– In order to further promote democracy it is necessary to limit the
competencies of the president strengthening the National Assembly
instead.

– In the unity of democratic principles and the interests of the nation
state we must follow the principle that democracy is the foundation
for establishment of political institutions of the Armenian nation,
and is the main guarantee for recognition of Artsakh’s right to
self-determination.

It should be stated that some proposals made by ARF-Movement 88
Deputy Group were not accepted, among them, the proposal to make
the posts of heads of administrations elected, the proposals to
prohibit those engaged in the law enforcement system to engage in
political activities, invalidate the Law on the President, make the
provisions for protection of heads of communities more clear-cut,
establishment of a professional parliament starting in 2010. However,
we will have an opportunity to pursue some of these proposals in the
future through our legislative activities (for instance the issue of
professional parliament, or the protection of heads of communities).

By voting for the draft constitution of Nagorno Karabagh Republic
we will make another step forward on the way of state building and
consolidation in Nagorno Karabagh.

"Aparazh" ("Rock"), Stepanakert

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress