ARMENIA WELCOMES PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH
Azat Artsakh Tert, Nagorno Karabakh Rep.
July 26 2007
Armenia has welcomed today the July 19 presidential election in
Nagorno-Karabakh. Below is the statement issued today by Armenia’s
ministry of foreign affairs. "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."