July 20, 2007 - 14:53 AMT
Karabakh people proved adherence to democracy July 19
The presidential elections in Nagorno Karabakh were free, transparent and met the NKR laws and international standards, the U.S. observation mission said July 20. According to Professor Vladimir Matic, the complaints that the CEC received July 19 were minor while the Commission quickly responded to all alerts. The mission noted the high appearance of the voters. "This is also a sign of democracy, for the people have exercised their right to rule their life. The NKR has fixed considerable progress," Matic said.

He said the mission members held meetings with the NKR leadership and presidential contenders. "These were not protocol meetings but thorough discussion of the election process," he noted.

"We are often asked why we came here. I will answer. Our organization considers elections to be the most important attribute of democracy development," he said adding that the people of Karabakh proved adherence to democracy July 19.

Matic said the U.S. observers attended 47 polling stations and their report will be posted on their web site and submitted to the NKR CEC, the IA Regnum.