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  • NKR: Parliamentary Election

    PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION

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

    The parliamentary election in NKR took place. The high turnout of
    voters proved that promotion of democracy in the country is going
    on. On the day of the election we visited several polling stations.
    The voters were obviously active. At the polling station 4/4 in
    Stepanakert no irregularities were reported by the proxies and
    observers. Like in the previous elections there were problems with the
    electoral registers; many voters did not find their names on the
    rolls. They were allowed to vote only after going through the
    procedure of registering. The international observers did not report
    any particular irregularities either (they preferred to state their
    opinions after the polls). Certain observers, for example, Pascal
    Bockers, refused to give an interview. From his words it was felt that
    he feared his comments could cause problems with Azerbaijan. There was
    a high turnout of voters at the polling station 1/1 in Stepanakert.
    There was a big group of observers and journalists there. The head of
    state and his wife were voting in this polling station. President
    Arkady Ghukassian said that hopefully all the problems and tensions of
    the campaign were behind, and the election would pass in accordance
    with the law. We have to think more about the ideas and goals which
    unite us and not the ones which divide, he said. According to the
    president, taking into account the attitude of Azerbaijan towards any
    event in Karabakh and avoiding complicated relationships with
    Azerbaijan, the observers are somewhat reserved in expressing their
    opinions. But A. Ghukassian believes that they are attentively
    following the polls. A lot depends on this election. The mediators
    know that the alternative to the election is the totalitarian regime
    (naturally, they are not interested in establishing a totalitarian
    regime here). There is no alternative to our elections. The formal
    discretion of the co-chairs and the international observers are, in my
    opinion, determined by the wish of not spoiling relationships with
    Azerbaijan, said the president of NKR. The head of state shares the
    opinion that the presidential election 2005 will be important for the
    settlement of the Karabakh issue. Today we must prove that we are a
    democratic state and differ from totalitarian Azerbaijan. And
    democratic Karabakh has no place in the totalitarian republic of
    Azerbaijan, he said. The journalists were interested to know the
    attitude of A. Ghukassian toward the opposition. He said he is for
    constructive opposition, for there is no development without
    opposition. The head of state expressed commitment to cooperate with
    the opposition in case it wins the polls, adding that he is ready for
    constructive cooperation with any force. In reference to the
    statements of Azerbaijan on promoting dialogue between the Armenian
    and Azerbaijani communities A. Ghukassian said Karabakh is ready for
    any kinds of relationships with Azerbaijan, but Azerbaijan should
    first organize such meetings with the Greek, Ukrainian, Russian and
    Portuguese communities in Karabakh. I approve all kinds of
    relationships but creating an illusion that Karabakh is not a conflict
    party but a mere community (which Azerbaijan is attempting to do)
    which must set up relationships with another community is not a
    serious step. This proves the unserious approach of Azerbaijan.

    Reluctant to negotiate with Karabakh, they delay the resolution of
    many problems that worry people. Generally, I do not see any problems
    in setting up relationships. On June 19th the speaker of the National
    Assembly of NKR Oleg Yessayan voted at the electoral district 5 in
    Stepanakert. Then he met with the journalists. Mr. Yessayan, what are
    your expectations from the new parliament? O.Yessayan: Great will and
    seriousness is what we expect from the parliament of the fourth
    convocation. I say this also in the name of the parliament. We will be
    pleased if in five years our colleagues of the parliament of the
    fourth convocation report that they have outdone the activities of the
    National Assembly in all aspects. This will be genuine evidence to the
    progress of our country, the people and the authorities. Why arent you
    standing for parliament this time? O.Y.: This time I take part in the
    election as a voter. I do not want to give different answers to this
    question because I was already asked the question. The parliament in
    Karabakh is 14 years old, and I have been in the parliament for 12
    years. I think this is enough for one and it is time to occupy myself
    with something else and let other people work. What are, in your
    opinion as an experienced parliamentarian, the priorities of the
    parliament? O.Y.: The activity of the parliament is enclosed in the
    circle of its jurisdiction, maintained by legislation. First of all, a
    large number of laws have been enacted in the country and, thanks God,
    in our country the laws perform their role, revealing the drawbacks of
    the existing legislation and existing laws, because a law which is not
    applied has no disadvantages. Therefore, I think, one of the main
    activities of our colleagues will be adopting amendments to the
    existing legislation. We have many laws to which dozens of amendments
    were adopted. I think it is time to adopt the revised projects of
    these laws. Of course, the other direction will be the adoption of new
    laws. Finally, one cannot say that the entire system of public,
    political, social and economic relationships has been regulated. New
    laws need to be adopted. Naturally, one of the main functions of the
    new parliament is parliamentary control. I think everybody realizes
    the importance of raising it to a higher level. Were there
    irregularities in the election campaign? I do not have any information
    because I am not running for parliament myself. At least, the
    parliament did not receive complaints. But if there are such problems,
    I believe, these will be discussed at the meetings of parliament by
    the political forces and the authorities. If we say that the
    authorities are responsible for fair and transparent elections, why
    not say then that they are interested in it most of all. Will your
    further activities be connected with Artsakh? O.Y.: Several days ago I
    would have given a different answer. But there is already the decree
    of the president of the Republic of Armenia; I think, I will deal with
    politics to the extent determined by my occupation. As a native of
    Karabakh I have never placed Karabakh Armenians above other Armenians
    living in other places but I have always been proud to be a native of
    Karabakh. At least, from this point of view I will always be concerned
    about Karabakh. At 11.30 the prime minister of NKR Anoushavan
    Danielian came to vote at the polling station 4/4. A. Danielian
    described the election as one of the best elections held in the
    post-Soviet space. The flow of people to polling stations early in the
    morning, according to him, means that the people and the authorities
    are united by the idea of having a democratic independent state and
    aspire to achieve this goal. The event is truly historical; it is an
    important step towards a free, independent and democratic state. I
    have already talked to international observers and I think their
    evaluation of the election will be high. This is one of the best
    elections held in the post-Soviet space. We have done our best to
    achieve such results, he said. The prime minister is optimistic about
    the next parliament.

    AA.
    22-06-2005
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