RECOGNIZE OR REJECT INDEPENDENCE?

KarabakhOpen
30-08-2007 14:26:51

Raffi Hovannisian, chair of the Armenian opposition Heritage
party, stated his party proposed the bill on the recognition of
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

It was unexpected for many, although hardly anyone denies the absurdity
of the situation: Armenia demands that the international organizations
recognize Karabakh but it has not recognized yet. Nevertheless,
the reaction of the Armenian politicians toward Raffi Hovannisian’s
decision was more negative than positive. At least no political party
said to support the bill. In addition, some have criticized it.

Mher Shahgeldyan, deputy leader of the Orinats Yerkir Party, the second
opposition party of the Armenian parliament, said: "We are on the
track for democracy therefore it is too early to adopt such a bill."

Murad Petrosyan, a Karabakh-based analyst, host of the "Facts,
Events, Reflections" TV program on the Public Television of Artsakh,
said at the moment the recognition of NKR by Armenia would look like
a challenge. The challenge would arouse a counteraction. Meanwhile,
Armenia and Karabakh are unable to resist to the negative reaction
of the international community.

The silence of the other political forces can be explained. The text
of the bill is such that the refusal to adopt it would be perceived
by the society as an anti-national move. However, the adoption should
be motivated and calculated thoroughly to become possible. Therefore,
the Armenian politicians, even the ones who are used to display a
clear-cut stance on all the issues appear embarrassed. After all,
the presidential election is coming up, and it would not be desirable
to be accused of reluctance to recognize NKR.