EUROPEAN FREE ALLIANCE HAILS ELECTIONS IN KARABAKH

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EUROPEAN FREE ALLIANCE HAILS ELECTIONS IN KARABAKH

14:18 * 05.05.15

The European Free alliance has praised parliamentary elections held
in Nagorno-Karabakh on Sunday.

In a statement, it has described the voting as exemplary and
democratic.

"The European Free Alliance hails the exemplary elections held
yesterday in Nagorno-Karabakh, which have confirmed the high level
of democracy there. Seven political parties in total competed for
the 33 seats in the National Parliament in a flawless vote which was
monitored by international observers from various European countries.

Among them, former EFA MEPs and Honorary EFA member Inaki
Irazabalbeitia and Rafa Larreina, MP at the Spanish Parliament for
EFA member Eusko Alkartasuna," the statement reads.

"The Democratic Party of Artsakh, EFA's first Associated Member,
re-confirmed itself as the 2nd biggest political force behind the
ruling "Free Motherland" party and despite the fact that three new
parties took part for the first time in these elections. DPA is
expected to receive seven or eight seats in the new Nagorno Karabakh
Assembly.

EFA reiterates that the EU should finally change its policy in the
Nagorno Karabakh issue and assist the landlocked country towards its
path to international recognition. This is the only path towards a
sustainable peace settlement in the area and a development that would
strengthen values such as democracy, justice and protection of human
rights against armed threat and aggression.

During its recent General Assembly, held on 17 April in Lusatia,
EFA called upon all UN members to recognize Nagorno Karabakh," reads
the message.

http://www.tert.am/en/news/2015/05/05/efa/1665835

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US OBSERVER: COMMITMENT OF KARABAKH VOTERS WOULD RIVAL ANY COUNTRY

12:47, 05.05.2015
Region:World News, Karabakh
Theme: Politics

The University of California Election Observation and Technical
Assistance Team issued a statement in connection with the parliamentary
elections in Karabakh that were held on Sunday.

"The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) conducted its 6th
Parliamentary election

on May 3, 2015 with a fair and transparent system consistent with
international standards according to a team of nonpartisan academic
and subject matter experts from the United States, Mexico and Brazil.

The University of California Election Observation and Technical
Assistance Team observers visited with representatives, candidates
and party offices, polling stations, and government offices including
the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.

On Election Day, observers visited 16 polling stations in six of
Artsakh's nine regions and a regional passport department that assists
voters who are not on the voting list. The team also observed the
opening and closing processes of polling stations, and witnessed
the chain of custody of voted and counted ballots to the district
administration center of the Regional Electoral Commission. The team
also visited a polling station set up in the country's only prison
where 20 voters were eligible to vote. Prior to Election Day the
team visited a polling station set up in Yerevan for Artsakh citizens
residing in Armenia including those who are attending either university
or military school located there.

Throughout the election, the observers witnessed a fair, accurate,
and transparent election process.

"The commitment of the voters and poll workers of Nagorno-Karabakh
would rival any country," Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin said
as reports of from the polls showed turnout to be 70% or higher.

Observers also noted that women in Nagorno-Karabakh were equal
participants in the election in every aspect including participating
as voters, poll workers, party representatives, government officials,
and candidates. The team of observers will prepare a report outlining
their findings and make suggestions to improve the electoral process.

The preliminary report will include recommendations to implement
alternative voting options for voters who are absent from their
precinct on Election Day, and those who are not able to get to the
polling station.

The University of California Election Observation and Technical
Assistance Team is comprised of a group of professional non-partisan
academics, researchers and experts in the fields of electoral processes
and human rights. Members of the University of California Election
Observation and Technical Assistance Team also monitored the 2012
presidential elections in Artsakh. Team members include: Karin Mac
Donald, Director of Election Administration Research Center at UC

Berkeley, Gail Pellerin Santa Cruz County Clerk, Kristen Abajian Human
Rights Initiative at UC Davis, Peter Abajian The Paros Foundation,
Carlos Antaramian CIESAS-Mexico City, Rodrigo Gomez Universidad
Autonoma Metropolitana-Cuajimalpa Mexico City, Heitor Loureiro Ph.D
candidate, Sao Paulo State University."

http://news.am/eng/news/265336.html

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A ZIMBABWE OBSERVER. "KARABAKH IS INDEED A WONDERFUL COUNTRY."

16:12 | May 5 2015

Observers from around the world visited Nagorno-Karabakh for the May
3 elections. Observer Andrew Mambondiani is from Zimbabwe, and in the
meeting with the journalists, he said that it is his first visit to
Nagorno-Karabakh. "This is indeed a wonderful country and I enjoy
each day spent here." The West announced that it will not accept
the results of the elections in Karabakh, Aravot.am was interested
to know as to how the observer treats this announcement, he replied,
"The problem is for the elections to go off transparent and open. We
need to determine whether the elections are transparent and with no
violations, rather than America or Great Britain. America does not
recognize even some of the elections held in Zimbabwe, but it's not
so important. What is important is that the elections be held, and we
decide our future." To the question of whether he is not afraid that
his access to Azerbaijan will be banned for visiting Karabakh and being
an observer, Andrew Mambodiani replied that he does not think that it
would be a problem for him. He added that on his return to Zimbabwe,
he will tell everyone about Karabakh and will call upon everyone
to visit Karabakh. "When I was talking to Karen Ohanjanyan, he said
that from this day on, I should be the unofficial representative of
NKR to Zimbabwe. I will tell everyone in Zimbabwe what I have seen,
it is completely different from what I have read. I have read a lot
of negative stories about Karabakh, but what I saw was completely
different from what I have read."

Ami CHICHAKYAN

Read more at: http://en.aravot.am/2015/05/05/170066/

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SPAIN'S BASQUE MPS VISIT TSITSERNAKABERD ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL COMPLEX

19:18, 5 May, 2015

YEREVAN, 5 MAY, ARMENPRESS. Basque Members of the Parliament of Spain
visited Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex to pay their
respects to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Basque Member of the
Senate of Spain Urko Aiartza and Basque Member of the Congress of Spain
Rafael Larreina laid flowers at the Armenian Genocide memorial complex,
after which they toured the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.

In an interview with "Armenpress", Basque Deputy of the Spanish
Senate Urco Aiartza mentioned that great efforts have been made for
Spain's recognition of the Armenian Genocide and voiced hope that
those efforts would continue in the years to come.

"Armenpress": This year Spanish presses provided wide coverage of the
Armenian Genocide. More than 50 Spanish-language newspapers provided
coverage of the issue. Do you think this is a sign that the Spanish
society is starting to understand that the Armenia Genocide must
be recognized?

Urco Aiartza: I think the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide provided
the opportunity to speak out about this issue, which the society was
unaware of prior to the centennial. It's a pain to see that it took
this long for the Genocide to be understood and acknowledged as a
fact. Great efforts were made, and we hope more efforts will be made
in the years to come.

"Armenpress": How realistic is recognition of the Armenian Genocide
by the Spanish government and parliament in the near future?

U. A.: Currently, some Spanish districts have recognized the Armenian
Genocide, but the issue has to be raised in the Senate and Congress. I
can assure you that the Basque representatives within the Senate
and Congress and within other institutions like, say, the European
Parliament, are involved in the processes of recognition of the
Armenian Genocide. We believe it's a matter of justice.

"Armenpress": How would you evaluate the parliamentary elections held
in Artsakh?

U. A.: I was an observer during the elections in Artsakh along with
the representatives of the USA, Australia, France and Germany. I didn't
see any difference between the elections in Artsakh and the elections
in our country. There was higher voter turnout in Artsakh than there is
in other countries. What we saw was wonderful. This shows that Artsakh
is a country that corresponds to all European standards. It's not
internationally recognized, but we hope it is recognized by other
countries. The Basques have recognized Nagorno-Karabakh. In this
stage we'll try to have it recognized by other organizations.

http://armenpress.am/eng/news/804402/spain%E2%80%99s-basque-mps-visit-tsitsernakaberd-armenian-genocide-memorial-complex.html

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ARTSAKH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS DEEMED FREE AND FAIR

Central Election Commission Publishes Preliminary Results

Washington, DC - On May 3, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic held
parliamentary elections. Voters chose between seven political
party lists and several dozen individual candidates competing for
22 proportional and 11 majoritarian seats, respectively. More than
70 percent of eligible voters turned out to elect members the sixth
National Assembly of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh.

105 international observers from the Austria, Brazil, the Czech
Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the
Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, UK, United States and
elsewhere monitored the process.

According to preliminary assessment by observers, the elections were
free and fair, and reflected the democratic will of the people. In
particular, the University of California Election Observation and
Technical Assistance Team, comprised of elected officials, professional
researchers and experts in electoral processes and human rights from
the United States, Mexico and Brazil have concluded that the May
3, 2015 election was conducted "with a fair and transparent system
consistent with international standards". The Team plans to issue a
final report shortly.

"The commitment of the voters and poll workers of Nagorno Karabakh
would rival any country", said Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin,
member of the team.

Another team member, Fresno County Supervisor Andreas Borgeas noted
the high turnout characterizing it as "a good basis for Artsakh's
statehood that is on par with democratic standards."

In its statement related to Artsakh parliamentary elections, the
NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that "the parliamentary
elections have reaffirmed the fact that elections, as a key element
for the functioning of any democratic system, have become an integral
part of the political culture of Artsakh. Free, fair, transparent and
competitive elections, being an inalienable mechanism of political
processes in the NKR, are aimed at organizing the social life of
the republic and forming the government by democratic means, which,
in turn, serves as a basis for promoting human rights, fundamental
freedoms and the rule of law."

According to preliminary results released by the NKR Central Electoral
Commission (CEC), five out of seven political parties crossed the five
percent threshold to secure a share of 22 proportional seats. Those
are: Free Motherland Party (47.5 %), Democratic Party of Artsakh
(19.1 %), Armenian Revolutionary Federation - Dashnaktsutyun (18.81
%), Movement 88 (6.93 %), and National Revival (5.8 %). Another 11
parliament members were elected through majoritarian system.

* * *

This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic in the USA (NKR Office) on behalf of the Government of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the U.S.

Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional
information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States
is based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government,
academia and the American public representing the official policies
and interests of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh.

OFFICE OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC IN THE USA 1334 G Street N.W.,
Washington, DC 20005 Tel: (202) 481-3341 Email: info@nkrusa.org Web:
www.nkrusa.org Contact: Press Service of the NKR Office in the USA

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EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT TO DISCUSS KARABAKH'S SELF-DETERMINATION

11:33, 7 May, 2015

YEREVAN, 7 MAY, ARMENPRESS: The year is going to be intense in terms
of wide collaboration between the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and the
European Parliament. During this year, it is considered that a series
of mass events will be held, aiming at representing the issue of
Artsakh not only to the world, but also keeping self-determination
issue on the international agenda. The President of the Armenian
National Committee of Europe Gaspar Karapetyan in a talk with
Armenpress notes, that in June a conference will take place devoted to
the free self-determination of the nations at the European Parliament,
in the basis of which the right of free self-determination of NKR
people is included.

"The conference will be held in two directions - scientific and
political. The European parliamentarians, scientists, experts of
the international law will participate," - Gaspar Karapetyan said
and added that the purpose of such discussions is not only to draw
attention to the Nagorno Karabakh issue, but also to deliver the
case to the international community's perception, that the free
self-determination of the nations should be paramount from anything.

The issue of Artsakh will be discussed again in the European Parliament
in September. On the occasion of Artsakh's Independence Day, not only
hospitality will be held in the European Parliament building, in which
the friendship group members of Nagorno Karabakh will participate,
but also a discussion will be launched dedicated to the second
Armenian state. "In October, the Month of Artsakh will be launched at
the European Parliament. This is a traditional event and this is the
second time it takes place," - Karapetyan emphasized and added that a
few countries have such months in that prestigious European structure.

http://armenpress.am/eng/news/804589/european-parliament-to-discuss-karabakh%E2%80%99s-self-determination.html

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19:31 11/05/2015 » IN THE WORLD

Azerbaijan seeks to censor Argentinian media covering Nagorno Karabakh Republic

The journalist and the editor-in-chief of the international policy section of the Argentinian daily Clarín, Marcelo Cantelmi, having visited Nagorno Karabakh published an article covering the history of the struggle of the country for independence and the current political situation. The article was followed by the letter of the Azerbaijani ambassador to Argentina, Mammad Ahmadzada, published in the same outlet. The ambassador accused the journalist of “again illegally visiting” Karabakh violating the Azerbaijani law.
The Argentinian-Armenian news agency Prensa Armenia writes that Cantelmi responded to the accusations of the Azerbaijani government. “Never in my visits to Nagorno Karabakh have I entered into those territories illegally. On the contrary, I got my visa at the border checkpoint at Agavno where I paid all the necessary customs duties. Besides, my passport was presented to the Foreign Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh in Stepanakert. Today those are the proceedings for the entry to Nagorno Karabakh,” the journalist noted.
As regards the decision of the Azerbaijani government to include him in the “black list” and ban his entry to the country, Cantelmi said that the journalists must have the freedom to go to the places where important events take place and carry out their professional duties without any pressure. He added that it was a “barbarian act” and a “harsh discrimination” with which the Azerbaijani government tries to sanction the dissent as the tyrants and dictators historically did, Cantelmi said according to Prensa Armenia.
As the article has it, the Azerbaijani embassy in Argentina responded to this with a press release published on its website. It said that their disagreement was connected with his visit to the territories rather than his freedom of journalistic work, although they did not share his position.
“The Azerbaijani government has a long history of persecuting the media, and recently, the Argentinian media,” Prensa Armenia writes reminding that in March 2015 the Argentinian state news agency Télam removed María Laura Carpineta’s article from its website at the request of the Azerbaijani government. This came after the Azerbaijani FM included the journalist in the “black list” and published information about her in the official outlets of the country as “Escrache.”
According to the article, the Télam journalist was one of those media representatives, including Argentinian, who arrived in Armenia ahead of the Genocide Centennial and also visited Nagorno Karabakh, on whose border the Azerbaijani side scarcely observes the ceasefire.
As the article reads, the Azerbaijani state news agency AzerTAc reported that the Azerbaijani MFA turned to the Argentinian agency via its embassy in Argentina with the request to censor the article despite the fact that it provided with unbiased information reflecting both the Armenian and the Azerbaijani positions. Télam fulfilled the request apologizing to them and removing the article which can be still retrieved in the web search engines.
A few days later, Azerbaijan declared about excluding the editor of the international section of the outlet Tiempo Argentino, Luis Faraoni, who had also visited Karabakh, from the “black list” after he said that he respected the “sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the internationally recognized borders” of Azerbaijan.
In March 2015 Luis Faraoni published an article titled “Nagorno Karabakh: the nation that seeks to find its place in the world” in the outlet Tiempo Argentino. It covered Karabakh’s struggle for independence and international recognition.

Further the agency writes that the journalist of the Argentinian outlet PERFIL, Santiago Farrell, also fell into the list of undesirable persons of Azerbaijan because of visiting Nagorno Karabakh.
Related:

Argentinian outlet: Azerbaijan holds refugees in tent camps, while Armenian refugees from Baku have long been integrated

Argentinian media: Immersed in cozy landscape around Gandzasar it is hard to believe that contact line is within hour’s drive

Source: Panorama.am

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THESE ELECTIONS CAN SERVE AN EXAMPLE FOR MANY STATES

Friday, 08 May 2015 15:06

Among the observers at the parliamentary elections was our old
friend, French MP, head of the France-Artsakh Friendship Circle
Francois Rochebloine, whom we interviewed at a polling station after
the elections.

- Mr. Rochebloine, what regions and polling stations have you visited?

Did you notice any violation or incident there, or was everything
proceeding normally?

- First, I should note that although it is my tenth visit to Karabakh,
however, I'm participating in the elections as an observer for the
first time. Together with my counterparts, I visited a number of
polling stations in Stepanakert, as well as in Askeran's region's
Aygestan, Lusadzor, Khndzristan, Tsakhkashat (here we also visited
the museum of Nikol Duman), Khachen villages and in Martakert region's
Vank and Arajadzor villages. We also visited polling stations in the
town of Askeran and Khnapat village. Everything was excellent at all
the polling stations.

- Wasn't there even a single inaccuracy?

- You see, we are serious persons, and we usually say what we see.

When it is necessary to conduct observation, we do it. The elections
were excellently organized everywhere. Very important was the fact
that representatives of different Parties were present at the
polling stations, and the atmosphere was calm and peaceful. We
fixed no violation or complaint by the proxies at any of the 17
polling stations, which we visited. I can definitely state that
these elections can serve an example for many states. I observed a few
elections in Armenia, as well as in Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria,
and I believe that these elections were the best. It testifies that
this country is really democratic. I think that elections in France,
with its multi-year experience, as well as in other developed states,
such as Germany, Italy, Spain, are not better than here.

- And why don't these democratic states recognize the NKR as a real
democratic state?

- I and my colleague are those MPs in France who struggle for the
recognition of Artsakh. In due time, while nobody believed in this, we
struggled for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and succeeded. I
believe that we'll also achieve the recognition of Artsakh. I'm an
optimist. And today, what Artsakh needs the most is peace.

* * * We asked the Bulgarian observer, leader of 'Freedom' Party
Pavel Chernev to express his opinion on the elections and on our
country in general.

- It's my second visit to Karabakh - the first time, I was an observer
at the 2012 presidential elections. Like in 2012, these elections were
well-organized. The candidates nominated both under the proportional
and majoritarian systems are perfectly represented by their proxies.

Even in small villages, the elections were transparent.

- In what villages did you observe the elections?

- In some small villages in the Askeran and Martakert regions. I
fixed no violations there. Besides the elections, I should note that I
witnessed great changes taken place for the recent three years - many
new and nice buildings and streets, new cars. I liked all this and I'm
glad to see the developments. And generally, it is appreciable that the
elections are held at a high level. I also liked that new Parties had
appeared, and the old ones continue actively their activities. I was
pleased to know that the Democratic Party of Artsakh has entered the
family of European Democratic Parties. It is very good for Karabakh.

- What do you think - is the international recognition of the NKR
the issue of the far or near future?

- I always state and I am stating now - why is Kosovo, which is
an illegal formation, recognized and why isn't Artsakh, which is
prospering and developing based on democratic principles, recognized?

The European Parliament, which is guided by double standards, doesn't
want to recognize the country that fought for freedom and won. But,
I'm an optimist. Tens of years ago, the Armenian Genocide wasn't
either recognized. However, it is currently recognized by many
states, including superpowers. I believe that the issue of the NKR
international recognition will be gradually resolved as well.

Susanna BALAYAN
http://artsakhtert.com/eng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1792:-these-elections-can-serve-an-example-for-many-states&catid=1:all&Itemid=1