Armenian
National Committee of Canada

Comité
National Arménien du Canada

Tel./Tél. (613) 235-2622

E-mail/Courriel:national.office@anccanada.org

-PRESS RELEASE-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2020                                                            

Contact: Sevag
Belian (613) 235-2622

ANCC
Congratulates the People of Artsakh on Presidential and Parliamentary Election

(OTTAWA) – Yesterday, the free people of Artsakh turned out
in unprecedented numbers to elect their next president and parliament.

Five
political parties from across the political spectrum will now form the 7^th
parliament of the Republic of Artsakh. With no presidential candidate
achieving the required 50% threshold, the top two candidates, former Prime
Minister Arayik Harutyunyan and Foreign Affairs Minister Masis Mayilyan, will
face each other in a second round on April 14^th.
 

The
Armenian National Committee of Canada congratulates all the political parties
that participated and achieved victory in yesterday’s election and commends the
people of Artsakh for overcoming difficult circumstances and Azerbaijani
propaganda to vote for their representatives.

Commenting
on the elections, ANCC Co-presidents Hrag Tarakdjian and Shahen Mirakian issued
the following statement;

“Free and fair elections are at the core of Artsakh’s
nation-building process and its commitment to strong democratic
standards. 

With over 72% voter turnout, the people of Artsakh have once
again spoken loud and clear, demonstrating their commitment to chart their own
course and defend their hard-earned sovereignty.

Despite Azerbaijan’s continuous attempts to internationally
isolate Artsakh and impose its agenda of war and aggression in the region,
Artsakh continues to remain committed to the negotiation process, dismissing
all alternatives to the peaceful resolution of the conflict.  

It is very unfortunate, however, that the Organization for
Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), of which Canada is a member,
continues to show utter indifference and disregard to the free will of the
people, dismissing the results of the election. We are profoundly concerned by
the unconstructive statement made by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs yesterday,
undermining the democratic process initiated and led by the people. The right
of self-determination must be upheld in any conflict settlement and these
elections are a powerful and remarkable testament to that principle of utmost
importance. It is disappointing that the OSCE continues to disregard this
reality.

This election process – which was marked by healthy political
competition and friendly discourse – is a great testament to the fact that
Artsakh is not a mere conflict, but a country full of potential and prospects.

We commend each and every citizen of the Republic of Artsakh
for their important participation and contribution to this vital process and
congratulate the new members of parliament, wishing them a successful term in
office” read
the statement.

The
ANCC will continue to monitor the second round of the presidential election and
will issue a statement accordingly, after April 14^th.

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The ANCC is the largest and
the most influential Armenian-Canadian grassroots human rights organization.
Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters
throughout Canada and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC
actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-Canadian community on a broad
range of issues and works to eliminate abuses of human rights throughout Canada
and the world.