May 24, 2008 - 19:08 AMT
European structures try to avoid issues referring to unrecognized republics
In their policy, European structures try to avoid issues referring to unrecognized republics, which are situated within the CoE borders, Armenian National Assembly Speaker said.

"Europe's attitude is incorrect. The people living in unrecognized states are victims of conflicts. Now, they are subjected to discrimination on the part of European organizations, which often forget that human rights protection is the main European value, no matter whether people live in a recognized or unrecognized state,"Tigran Torosian told the international conference dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Karabkah movement.

Cooperation between European structures and Karabakh would be useful, according to him.

"Democratic standards have been developed for Kosovo and the condition "first standards, then recognition" was reconsidered. However, in my opinion meeting European standards is of utmost importance. Karabakh is prepared to partner with Europe. So, we should be more resolute," Mr Torosian said.

For his part, NKR NA Speaker Ashot Ghulyan remarked that Karabakh wishes to join a number of European and international conventions, KarabakhOpen reports.