Pan Armenian News
OBSERVERS’ REPORTS CLEARLY SHOW THAT NAGORNO KARABAKH CANNOT BE CONSIDERED A
“LAWLESS ZONE
08.07.2005 04:24
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ National Assembly Vice-speaker Vahan Hovhannisian, who
leads the Armenian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, addressed
on July 4 the Assembly session held in Washington. He said, `I would like,
today, to briefly update the Assembly on the key elements of the current
political situation and recent developments in Armenia and the South
Caucasus region. But first, I would like to note that this April all
Armenians commemorated the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
perpetrated by the rulers of Ottoman Turkey starting in 1915. I think it
would not be an exaggeration to say that most of the current in our region
stem from those tragic events. So, on this occasion, the Armenian delegation
would like to express our deep gratitude to the people and parliaments of
the OSCE member countries that, having found the courage not to remain
silent, have adopted the resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide.
These countries include Cyprus, Canada, Russia, Greece, Belgium, Sweden,
France, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Netherlands, Poland, and Germany.
Their actions represent vital steps toward urging all governments and
parliaments to be alert to the threats of new genocides and vigilant in
taking practical steps to preventing any possible further attempts of
genocide in any part of the world. This is especially important today in
light of our neighbor Turkey’s efforts to secure EU membership even as it
imposes a one-sided blockade on the Republic of Armenia and refuses to
establish diplomatic relations with Armenia. Dear colleagues, two weeks ago
the people of Nagorno Karabakh Republic held parliamentary elections for the
fourth time since establishing independence in 1991. As many international
observers stated in their reports, the elections were conducted freely and
in transparent manner. I want to thank the independent observers from many
countries, who have done so much important work in the place of
international organizations such as our distinguished Assembly, for their
excellent efforts in monitoring these elections and their fair and unbiased
attitude. Their reports clearly show that Nagorno Karabakh cannot be
considered a “lawless zone.” Some of Nagorno Karabakh’s neighbors can learn
a great deal from its example of holding democratic elections. Dear
colleagues, we witnessed the adoption of resolutions on Abkhazia and
Moldova. We see how much heated discussions they generated. But they have
one important thing in common: both Georgian and Moldavian authorities in
their sincere desire to settle these conflicts have been directly
negotiating – and are prepared to do so in the future – with the authorities
of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transdnestria. As such, we do not see a
reason why the Azerbaijani authorities cannot do the same and try to restore
their contacts with elected authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh, as was
proposed by Mr. Lennmarker in his report. I would like to use this
opportunity to join our distinguished President in commending the
outstanding job done by his Special Representative G. Lennmarker, whose
ideas on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict may provide the basis for future
cooperation between the Parliaments of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Finally, I
would like to note that earlier this year the Armenian Parliament revised
the Electoral Code in accordance with European standards, a move which was
welcomed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The
political parties in Armenia have, at last, reached an agreement about
constitutional changes and amendments in accordance with the recommendations
of the Venice Commission. This accomplishment, I am glad to report, fulfills
our obligations to the Council of Europe.