OBSERVERS' REPORTS CLEARLY SHOW THAT NAGORNO KARABAKH CANNOT BE CONSIDERED A "LAWLESS ZONE

PanARMENIAN.Net - National Assembly Vice-speaker Vahan Hovhannisian, who leads the Armenian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, addressed on July 4 the Assembly session held in Washington. He said, "I would like, today, to briefly update the Assembly on the key elements of the current political situation and recent developments in Armenia and the South Caucasus region. But first, I would like to note that this April all Armenians commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the rulers of Ottoman Turkey starting in 1915. I think it would not be an exaggeration to say that most of the current in our region stem from those tragic events. So, on this occasion, the Armenian delegation would like to express our deep gratitude to the people and parliaments of the OSCE member countries that, having found the courage not to remain silent, have adopted the resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide. These countries include Cyprus, Canada, Russia, Greece, Belgium, Sweden, France, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Netherlands, Poland, and Germany. Their actions represent vital steps toward urging all governments and parliaments to be alert to the threats of new genocides and vigilant in taking practical steps to preventing any possible further attempts of genocide in any part of the world. This is especially important today in light of our neighbor Turkey's efforts to secure EU membership even as it imposes a one-sided blockade on the Republic of Armenia and refuses to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia. Dear colleagues, two weeks ago the people of Nagorno Karabakh Republic held parliamentary elections for the fourth time since establishing independence in 1991. As many international observers stated in their reports, the elections were conducted freely and in transparent manner. I want to thank the independent observers from many countries, who have done so much important work in the place of international organizations such as our distinguished Assembly, for their excellent efforts in monitoring these elections and their fair and unbiased attitude. Their reports clearly show that Nagorno Karabakh cannot be considered a "lawless zone." Some of Nagorno Karabakh's neighbors can learn a great deal from its example of holding democratic elections. Dear colleagues, we witnessed the adoption of resolutions on Abkhazia and Moldova. We see how much heated discussions they generated. But they have one important thing in common: both Georgian and Moldavian authorities in their sincere desire to settle these conflicts have been directly negotiating - and are prepared to do so in the future - with the authorities of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transdnestria. As such, we do not see a reason why the Azerbaijani authorities cannot do the same and try to restore their contacts with elected authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh, as was proposed by Mr. Lennmarker in his report. I would like to use this opportunity to join our distinguished President in commending the outstanding job done by his Special Representative G. Lennmarker, whose ideas on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict may provide the basis for future cooperation between the Parliaments of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Finally, I would like to note that earlier this year the Armenian Parliament revised the Electoral Code in accordance with European standards, a move which was welcomed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The political parties in Armenia have, at last, reached an agreement about constitutional changes and amendments in accordance with the recommendations of the Venice Commission. This accomplishment, I am glad to report, fulfills our obligations to the Council of Europe.