A group of public figures of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic have come together to establish the Council on Foreign Policy and Security Issues. The Council seeks to mobilize the intellectual potential to help address issues facing Artsakh in the realms of foreign policy and security. The Council will work to develop recommendations for interested government and non-government entities. To develop these recommendations Council will reach out to the public and the expert community to discuss national issues, prepare and publish analytical briefs, commentaries and expert assessments.

Council members commit themselves to work on the basis of principles of national interests, non-partisanship and professional competence, the Council head, former NKR Deputy Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan told PanARMENIAN.Net.

"The Council will bring together local experts as well friends of Artsakh working abroad," Mr. Mayilian said. He expressed confidence that Council's work will benefit state agencies involved in foreign policy-making.

Council members believe that work of the newly-established non-government entity that is unique to NKR will enrich the republic's foreign policy agenda with sound ideas and initiatives. Civil society's role in formulation of the foreign policy strategy will help the republic as it seeks to adopt decisions intended for the defense of national interests of NKR.