Observers of unrecognized republics highly assessed NKR electionsJuly 20, 2007 - 16:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Observers from CIS-2 (Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transdnistria) gave a positive assessment to the presidential elections in Nagorno Karabakh. They were especially impressed by the appearance of the voters. "Elections in Karabakh were free and fair. It's obvious," said Batal Kobakhia, the Abkhazian parliament member. At the same time he voiced regret that the public sector in Karabakh did not properly fulfill its function and as result, only 2 local organizations were registered in the CEC as observers, the Caucasian Knot reports. According to the preliminary data provided by the NKR CEC, 71 285 voters (77,36% of 92 152 registered voters) participated in the presidential elections. Bako Sahakyan is leading with 57 828 votes (85,42%). He is followed by former Deputy FM Masis Mailyan with 8 270 votes (12, 21%). NKR MP Armen Abgaryan is the third with 856 votes (1,26%). Communist Hrant Melkumyan garnered 539 votes (0,8%). Lecturer Vanya Avansyan concludes the list with 22 votes (0,3%). Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |