NAGORNYY KARABAKH LEADER SAYS KARABAKH TO JOIN PEACE TALKS IN FUTURE

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
19 Jul 07

[Presenter] The president of the Nagornyy Karabakh republic fulfilled
his civil duty a few minutes ago. Responding to questions from
journalists, Arkadi Ghukasyan said that the president who would
be elected today would carry out the duties of Artsakh [Karabakh]
president with credit.

[Karabakh president Arkadi Ghukasyan, speaking to journalists after
having cast his vote] Karabakh will in the long run become a party
to the [Armenian-Azerbaijani peace] talks because it is the only
way to settle the conflict. If Karabakh does not participate in the
negotiations, they will make no sense and will be unsuccessful.

Second, whomever the Nagornyy Karabakh people elect president,
that person will have to assume the responsibility. I am sure that
Nagornyy Karabakh will be in a very confident position and the person
to be elected Nagornyy Karabakh president will carry out his duties
with credit.

[Regnum news agency, Moscow, in Russian 0812 gmt 19 Jul 07 quoted
Ghukasyan as saying that "if the international community does
not recognize elections in our republic, let them suggest an
alternative. Or should Ghukasyan declare himself a Turkmenbasy and
rule for 50 years?" Ghukasyan added that Karabakh held the election
for its people, not for the international community, Regnum said.]