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  • NKR: "National Referendum" Continues

    "NATIONAL REFERENDUM" CONTINUES

    Azat Artsakh - Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
    13 June 05

    Naira Melkumian believes that by supporting Artsakh Armenian people
    once again say "YES" to the independence of Artsakh. For any
    country a strong economy is the precondition for country's
    development. Nagorno Karabakh Republic, which is still very young, is
    considered to be an area of risk for investments and business.
    However, all the conditions are there, owing to which the country
    will have a strong economy in the future. The all-Armenian foundation
    "Hayastan" has a considerable contribution to the
    rehabilitation and development of the economy of Artsakh. In the
    recent years the foundation has been focusing on Artsakh mainly. The
    construction of the highway "North - South" referred to as
    the spine of Artsakh will be soon completed on the means of this
    organization which unites the Armenians spread all over the world.
    Next the Programme of Revival of Artsakh will be launched. Our talk
    with the executive director of the all-Armenian foundation
    "Hayastan" Naira Melkumian was about the Programme of Revival
    of Artsakh and her vision of the future plans of the foundation.
    CHRISTINE MNATSAKANIAN: "Mrs. Melkumian, would you comment on the
    name of the programme "Revival of Artsakh"?" NAIRA
    MELKUMIAN: "First of all, the idea of the programme belongs to
    the NKR president. And the board of trustees, which is, in one way,
    the entire Armenian nation, also wishes to see Artsakh reconstructed.
    Therefore, the programme we are implementing was named "Revival
    of Artsakh". And in order for Artsakh to revive, first of all the
    development of the regions which have more economic potential should
    be spurred. Last year NKR President Arkady Ghukassian set forth the
    issue of developing the regions separately. The region of Martakert
    was considered first. The strategic plan consists of three stages
    and, besides Martakert, involves the regions of Hadrut and Martuni as
    well. Thus, in the near future the regions of Martuni, Hadrut and
    Martakert will be revived." C.M.: "By which principle were
    you guided in making a choice? Why did you decide to start with
    Martakert?" N.M.: "This region is one of those which suffered
    more during the war and there is urgent need for reconstruction of
    infrastructures, educational, health and other institutions, houses.
    Besides, it was taken into consideration that Martakert possesses
    more economic opportunities, the development of which may change the
    economic situation in Artsakh. Considering the natural resources,
    including minerals, as well as the agricultural potential, we think
    that Martakert has all the opportunities to become the leading region
    of Artsakh. Besides, by this programme we also envisage solving the
    problem of unemployment. The region of Martakert can employ much more
    people in their own country preventing them from leaving the country
    to work abroad." C.M.: "What particular steps will be taken
    in this direction?" N.M.: "This is, indeed, a complex
    programme. It is going to be a so-called regional development
    programme, that is to say, we will take into consideration the
    interrelated problems of Martakert. We are not going to solve
    separate problems, but together with the NKR government we will
    decide on which villages the focus of the programme will be. In the
    framework of the programme we will reconstruct schools, medical
    stations, water pipelines. At the same time there will be special
    focus on the development of agriculture, considering the fact that
    today agriculture is business. The implementation of the programme is
    necessary to prevent emigration. We will take into consideration
    human resources in Karabakh. The ability of the people of Karabakh to
    work as a team will be put at the heart of the programme. Our goal is
    not only prevention of emigration but also promotion of
    re-settlement. For this reason we have to provide opportunities for
    the people of Artsakh to feel full citizens and to be able to run
    agriculture as a form of business." C.M.: "Which is the
    political role of the programme?" N.M.: "I believe that the
    new programme will support the consciousness of the independent
    state. A country and people are truly independent if they can solve
    their political issues independently. At present the political issue
    of Karabakh is settled on the economic plane, and the development of
    Artsakh makes the political reality that today we have as Nagorno
    Karabakh Republic irreversible. I am sure that the economic revival
    of Artsakh will enable putting forward the issue of international
    recognition of Artsakh as an independent republic." C.M.:
    "How long will the economic revival of Artsakh take?" N.M.:
    "Within a year we will find the necessary financial resources,
    after which the implementation of the programme proper will begin. If
    we manage to raise the necessary sum within a year, the programme
    will be completed in three years. We do not have time to spend 5-6
    years on every project and we must always keep this in our minds. All
    these programmes should be a call for alertness for all of us. I hope
    that like in the previous year, this year too, the people of Armenia
    will take part actively in the telethon. This is extremely important.
    I think, in a way this is a referendum and people answer the question
    "Do we need Artsakh, or not?" And if Armenia donates 1
    million dollars, it means that the Armenian people in this way vote
    for the settlement of the issue." C.M.: "What innovations
    will there be in Telethon 2005, which may promote donations?"
    N.M.: "Actually, it is early to speak about innovations because,
    as you already know, the telethon will be held in November. At the
    moment I only can say that in this telethon we will replace the
    phrase "national tribute" by "national donation". We
    withdraw the principle of duty and introduce the idea of donation
    because a person cannot be obliged to make a donation but he should
    do it with an inner urge. Although I want to mention that so far no
    one has made their donation under obligation. It was a gift, a
    donation to their people and country." C.M.: "The previous
    telethons showed that the Armenians living in Russia were passive in
    making donations. What will be done this year to involve them in this
    action?" N.M.: "Certain representatives of the Armenian
    community of Russia play an active role indeed. They made and
    continue making a significant contribution to the economic
    development of Artsakh. It is another question that we do not have a
    local body there yet. This problem is being solved currently. There
    are many businessmen in Russia who come from Karabakh, and I hope
    that the foundation will become a link through which they will
    support the development programme of Martakert. In the long run, I am
    sure, that the idea of supporting this invaluable programme will
    unite the Armenians all over the world."

    CHRISTINE MNATSAKANIAN.
    13-06-2005

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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