STATEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ARMENIA ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Lragir, Armenia
July 23 2007

We welcome the presidential elections held in Nagorno-Karabakh on
July 19. Nearly 80% of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh participated in
these elections. These elections are the most recent in some dozen
presidential, parliamentary, and local election polls, as well as a
constitutional referendum, held since 1991.

This is just one expression of the commitment the people of
Nagorno-Karabakh have made to democracy and rule of law. 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
not only should Nagorno-Karabakh be a party to settlement negotiations,
but that their elected authorities should represent them.

To dismiss these or any elections is disingenuous and simply 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,
lasting settlement.

Unlike in other conflicts, in Karabakh, the population has always
had to ensure its own security without the help of the international
community. In the same way, they have also succeeded in securing
their own democratic processes and domestic stability.