AZERI ELECTORAL BODY CONDEMNS KARABAKH’S POLLS, WARNS OBSERVERS
Turan
May 20 2010
Azerbaijan
Baku, 20 May: The CEC [Central Electoral Commission] of Azerbaijan
issued a statement today that describes as illegal the so-called
"parliamentary election" in Nagornyy Karabakh slated for 23 May.
Armenia created on the occupied Azerbaijani land the so-called
"Nagornyy Karabakh republic" and has made many attempts to create
the appearance of "elections", the statement said.
"The new election farce" on the occupied territories runs counter to
the Azerbaijani Constitution and to international law. On the other
hand, this is yet another demonstration of the essence of Armenia’s
policy of occupation, of its efforts to mislead the international
community and to erect obstacles for the negotiations on settling
the Karabakh conflict.
According to the statement, the Azerbaijani Constitution bans
any social group or person from appropriating the functions of the
authorities and elections and referenda can only be conducted on the
basis of Azerbaijan’s Electoral Code.
The CEC urged "observers" who want to "monitor the elections" in
Nagornyy Karabakh to not do what is against international norms.
"Their actions will be regarded as violation of Azerbaijan’s
sovereignty," the statement read.
The CEC states that legal elections and referenda on the occupied
territories can only be conducted after they are fully liberated
and after forced migrants return. "The CEC considers this ‘election’
directed against Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as
illegal, will not recognize them and believes that the international
community is of the same opinion," the statement by Azerbaijan’s
CEC read.
From: Baghdasarian