NKR MFA: Karabakh Not Drug Transit Way
The other day FM of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Grigory Petrosyan and Head of the NKR Police Department Armen Isagulov sent a letter to Anne W. Patterson, US Assistant Secretary of Bureau for International Narcotics, reports the Press Service of the NKR MFA. The letter specifically says, "Appreciating and welcoming the contribution of the United Stated in establishment of genuine democratic principles in the international relations, as well as consistent efforts of US co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, aimed at resolution of the NK conflict, we want to call your attention to an issue of high importance to the NKR authorities.
In 2006, as different from previous years the State Department's International Narcotics Control Strategy Report mentions NK as a transit territory for drugs. We do not have doubts that the information is provided by Azerbaijan, which has made adulteration and discredit of the Armenian party its state policy. We express categorical disagreement over such a respected Report utilizing unconfirmed data. Thereupon we assure you with all responsibility that Nagorno Karabakh is not a transit way for drugs not only due to absence of a developed transport and communication system owing to continued blockade by Azerbaijan, but also as a result of efficient preventive work of NKR law-enforcement bodies."
The letter further cites facts, evidencing the aforementioned arguments. Specifically, the authors of the letter write, "The Office of Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, which regularly monitors the cease-fire regime, can confirm absence of any criminal facts and actions here." They also draw attention that the OSCE fact-finding mission, composed of over 30 diplomats and experts, accompanied by the OSCE MG co-chairs, visited NK in January-February 2005. "The detailed monitoring contains no mentioning of such negative facts.
On behalf of NKR authorities again expressing readiness to receive a special monitoring group, composed of experts, who can provide an independent conclusion, the letter authors frankly believe that "the US State Department will have an opportunity to make sure at the scene that the above-stated is true and stop alarm over issues that can more complicate the peace process and postpone prospects of peace and stability." Copies of the letter are sent to US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice, US co-chair of the OSCE MG Steven Mann, National Drug Control Policy Director John Walters.
In 2006, as different from previous years the State Department's International Narcotics Control Strategy Report mentions NK as a transit territory for drugs. We do not have doubts that the information is provided by Azerbaijan, which has made adulteration and discredit of the Armenian party its state policy. We express categorical disagreement over such a respected Report utilizing unconfirmed data. Thereupon we assure you with all responsibility that Nagorno Karabakh is not a transit way for drugs not only due to absence of a developed transport and communication system owing to continued blockade by Azerbaijan, but also as a result of efficient preventive work of NKR law-enforcement bodies."
The letter further cites facts, evidencing the aforementioned arguments. Specifically, the authors of the letter write, "The Office of Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, which regularly monitors the cease-fire regime, can confirm absence of any criminal facts and actions here." They also draw attention that the OSCE fact-finding mission, composed of over 30 diplomats and experts, accompanied by the OSCE MG co-chairs, visited NK in January-February 2005. "The detailed monitoring contains no mentioning of such negative facts.
On behalf of NKR authorities again expressing readiness to receive a special monitoring group, composed of experts, who can provide an independent conclusion, the letter authors frankly believe that "the US State Department will have an opportunity to make sure at the scene that the above-stated is true and stop alarm over issues that can more complicate the peace process and postpone prospects of peace and stability." Copies of the letter are sent to US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice, US co-chair of the OSCE MG Steven Mann, National Drug Control Policy Director John Walters.
