ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION IS HELPFUL FOR THE TALKS

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
23 Dec 2006

After the meeting with the EU Special Representative for the
South Caucasus Peter Semneby NKR President Arkady Ghukassian said
one of the main topics they discussed was the referendum on the
constitution. "I do not understand what it means to adopt or not
to adopt a constitution. We must discuss whether it complies
with the European standards or not?" he said, describing the
approach of the EU as illogical. According to him, the negative
reaction of the international organizations to the referendum on the
Constitution endangers the talks, and makes people doubtful about the
constitution. "I think the international community should support the
democratic process in NKR. The adoption of the constitution does not
obstruct, moreover, it favors the talks; the international community
will learn about the mood and approaches of the people of Nagorno
Karabakh," he said. Arkady Ghukassian informed that they arranged to
meet with Peter Semneby in early January in Stepanakert and discuss
definite proposals. In answer to the question of the NKR president
if the international organizations are likely to condemn the NKR
presidential election in July-August, Peter Semneby said this election
is crucial. The next question on how to hold a presidential election
without a constitution got no answer. The problem of refugees was also
discussed. The NKR president wonders why the problem of the Azerbaijani
refugees is raised first, then the problem of the Armenian refugees.

OFELIA KAMAVOSSIAN.
23-12-2006