IT IS DISINGENUOUS TO DISMISS THE NKR ELECTIONS

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[05:05 pm] 23 July, 2007

The RA Foreign Ministry welcomed the NKR presidential elections held
on July 19. Nearly 80% of NKR residents participated in the elections.

These elections are the most recent in some dozen presidential,
parliamentary, and local election polls and a constitutional referendum
held since 1991.

The elections guarantee democracy and rule of law for the NKR
people. Legitimately elected authorities have succeeded in securing
the safety and stability of that region even in the absence of a
permanent settlement.

Various OSCE and other international documents clearly indicate that
Nagorno-Karabakh should be engaged in the negotiations and the elected
authorities should represent the country.

To dismiss these elections is disingenuous and contrary to modern
political values. Further, rejection cannot be understood given
the fact that in other areas of the world, in places where final
political status and settlement are also absent, such elections are
indeed supported, promoted, observed and encouraged.

The people of Nagorno-Karabakh remain committed to resolving the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through negotiations to reach a peaceful
and lasting settlement.