U. S. CONGRESSMEN CONGRATULATED NKR ON ADOPTION OF PRO-INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Dec 13 2006

December 12 the Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Armenian Caucus,
Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), were joined by
Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA)
in congratulating the citizens of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh
(Artsakh) on overwhelmingly approving a pro-independence constitution
in a popular referendum held on December 10th.

According to the information DE FACTO got at the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA), in a December 11th letter to Artsakh
President Arkady Ghoukassian, the two Caucus leaders had welcomed
the adoption of the first-ever constitution as a key milestone in
Nagorno Karabagh’s political and democratic progress. They stressed,
"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 Karabagh,
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 Karabagh 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 Karabagh have
shown that they deserve an independent state free from the oppressive
Azerbaijani regime."

Rep. Radanovich noted, "The adoption of Nagorno Karabagh’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 Karabagh to live in such a free society. I commend this
great achievement and pledge my continuing support for the Nagorno
Karabagh Republic."

In letters sent December 11 to every member of Congress, the ANCA
underscored that "the approval of the Nagorno Karabagh 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 Karabagh, Azerbaijan, the peace process,
and prospects for regional stability.

The Nagorno Karabagh Republic Central Electoral Commission has
reported, based on preliminary results, that the people of Nagorno
Karabagh 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 Karabagh 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.