Armenian Population of Karabakh votes in controversial elections.

Parliamentary elections are taking place Sunday (3 May) in the self-declared Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. 101,653 voters will elect 33 deputies from among 206 candidates to form the territories' parliament. Candidates represent seven political parties, and a number of them are also running as independents. The electors are essentially all ethnic Armenians since the Azerbaijani population of the territory was displaced during intensive fighting more than two decades ago. The elections have been condemned by Azerbaijan and their outcome has been dismissed by various countries and international institutions, including the United States and the European Union, as well as by the co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Process.

A number of international observers have defied Azerbaijani criticism and are monitoring the elections. Armenian media said that they include persons from Germany and other European Countries, as well as the United States and Brazil. Reports from Stepanakert say that they include the former German Ambassador to Armenia  Hans-Jochen Schmidt,

In a meeting with the international guests on the eve of the election, the president of the self-declared Republic, Bako Sahakyan said that he attached great importance to their presence. A number of observers from Armenia are also monitoring the poll. The total number of observers are reported to be around one hundred.

In a sharp reaction to the holding of the elections, the Baku based organisation "Azerbaijani Community of Nagorno-Karabakh" in a statement said that" these 'elections' flagrantly violate the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, norms and principles of international law and don't cover suffrage of Azerbaijanis living in Nagorno-Karabakh."

The statement said that "it is impossible to restore peace and cooperation in the region unless Armenian Armed Forces leave Azerbaijan's territories and this conflict is settled justly on the basis of international laws, the return of the Azerbaijani population to their lands and peaceful life between two communities ensured".

Earlier the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry accused foreigners entering Nagorno-Karabakh to monitor the elections of breaking Azerbaijani law and said that legal measures may be instigated against them.

source: commonspace.eu with agencies

photo: The administration building of the self-declared Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in Stepanakert. (archive picture)

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
China dabbles in Horn of Africa but its ability to bring peace to the region is minimal

China dabbles in Horn of Africa but its ability to bring peace to the region is minimal

Beijing’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing, told a regional conference attended by eight governments from the region that ‘all parties should engage in dialogue’ to achieve common prosperity. In the meeting China reaffirmed its support for peaceful development in the Horn of Africa, saying it would “actively engage” in regional initiatives to promote the concept. But analysts and observers are very skeptical. Whilst China might dabble with the region and its many problems, it ability to impact the situation, and particularly contribute to resolving the conflicts that plague the region is minimal. In his speech at the Kampala Conference, Xue said Beijing would offer military assistance and training, as well as helping to develop the region’s infrastructure and boosting trade. “The world today faces overlapping risks and challenges that threaten peace and development in the Horn of Africa, and all parties should engage in dialogue and cooperation to maintain universal security and achieve common prosperity,” Xue told the event, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Xue outlined further areas of cooperation, including counterterrorism and landmine eradication, while stressing China’s support for “African-led solutions” through platforms such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
China dabbles in Horn of Africa but its ability to bring peace to the region is minimal

China dabbles in Horn of Africa but its ability to bring peace to the region is minimal

Beijing’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing, told a regional conference attended by eight governments from the region that ‘all parties should engage in dialogue’ to achieve common prosperity. In the meeting China reaffirmed its support for peaceful development in the Horn of Africa, saying it would “actively engage” in regional initiatives to promote the concept. But analysts and observers are very skeptical. Whilst China might dabble with the region and its many problems, it ability to impact the situation, and particularly contribute to resolving the conflicts that plague the region is minimal. In his speech at the Kampala Conference, Xue said Beijing would offer military assistance and training, as well as helping to develop the region’s infrastructure and boosting trade. “The world today faces overlapping risks and challenges that threaten peace and development in the Horn of Africa, and all parties should engage in dialogue and cooperation to maintain universal security and achieve common prosperity,” Xue told the event, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Xue outlined further areas of cooperation, including counterterrorism and landmine eradication, while stressing China’s support for “African-led solutions” through platforms such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.