PALLONE, KNOLLENBERG, SCHIFF, AND RADANOVICH CONGRATULATE NKR ON ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION
ArmRadio.am
13.12.2006 10:37
The Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, Frank
Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), were joined today by
Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA)
in congratulating the citizens of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
(Artsakh) on overwhelmingly approving a pro- independence constitution
in a popular referendum held on December 10th, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
In a December 11th letter to Artsakh President Arkady Ghukasyan,
the two Caucus leaders welcomed the adoption of the first-ever
constitution as a key milestone in Nagorno Karabakh’s political and
democratic progress. They stressed that, "Artsakh’s Constitution
embodies your nation’s values to live in a free and fair society,
where human rights and economic opportunities are enjoyed by all,"
adding that "societies that are fundamentally free and fair are most
successful, contributing to international security and progress along
the way." They closed their letter to the President by reaffirming
that they "will remain by your side, as Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh,
continues to pursue its freedom, security and development."
Commenting on the referendum, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated,
"I congratulate the people of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
for reaffirming their commitment to freedom, peace, economic
development, and regional stability by democratically adopting a new
constitution. By establishing a market economy, holding free and
fair elections, and promoting human rights, the people of Nagorno
Karabakh have shown that they deserve an independent state free from
the oppressive Azerbaijani regime."
Rep. Radanovich noted that "The adoption of Nagorno Karabakh’s first
ever democratic Constitution is a landmark achievement; advancing
democracy breeds a free and open society, while promoting human
rights. The adoption of the Constitution proves the desire of the
people of Nagorno Karabakh to live in such a free society. I commend
this great achievement and pledge my continuing support for the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic."
In letters sent to every member of Congress, the ANCA underscored
that "the approval of the Nagorno Karabakh constitution reaffirms
its citizens’ collective commitment to freedom and marks a major
milestone in this new democracy’s contribution to peace, economic
development, and regional stability." Each ANCA letter was accompanied
by a three-page briefing document (attached) addressing key points
concerning Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, the peace process, and
prospects for regional stability.
The Nagorno Karabakh Republic Central Electoral Commission has
reported, based on preliminary results, that the people of Nagorno
Karabakh overwhelmingly approved their first-ever constitution by a
majority in excess of 98% of those casting ballots. Early estimates
point to a voter turnout of over 87% of eligible voters.
The new constitution affirms that the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is
a sovereign state based upon democracy and the rule of law, as well
as the protection of human rights and civil liberties. The state’s
authority is derived from popular consent, as expressed through
elections and referendums, and the governmental system is based
on the principle of separation of the executive, legislative and
judiciary branches.