First Population Census in NKR History Starts Today

PanARMENIAN.Net - Nagorno Karabakh President Arkady Ghukasyan has addressed a message to NKR society over the population census in 2005. The statement specifically says, «October 18 the first population census starts in our Republic to be held till October 27. As it is known, according to international standards, the census is held once every 10 years. The latest census was held in NK during the Soviet regime in 1989. Unfortunately, the war imposed upon us by Azerbaijan and the following complex military and political situation, social, economic, and democratic situation, as well as the need to restore the undermined economy, provide at least minimal living conditions for the population and absence of means conditioned by all this did not allow conducting the recurrent population census in time. We clearly understand the importance of the census in securing further social and economic growth. This will provide an opportunity to realistically plan our actions aimed at strengthening independent statehood of Artsakh, enhancement of the development and the defensive potential of the country.



Satisfying legal and normative basis is formed for the holding of the census. The NKR Law on Population Census had been passed in 2002. Based on it the terms of preparation and holding of a population census was determined. To conduct the census the NKR National Statistical Service, a state plenipotentiary body, is appointed. All personnel, technical, methodical problems are solved, specialists are trained (there are some 600). Besides, the state and self-government bodies are commissioned to assist holding the census. In short, all preconditions are available for holding a population census.



Addressing you I consider it my duty to remind you the population census is compulsory for everyone. Thus, I urge everybody - NKR citizens, temporary or permanent residents - to respect the census officers, assist them in fulfilling their duties and provide full and true answers to their questions. I expect our population to display understanding and responsibility towards the successful holding of the census, realizing that it should mark another real step to self-government and international recognition of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.»