ARTSAKH NEWSLETTER
July 15-August 15, 2012
Artsakh Newsletter summarizes key developments in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh and is prepared by the NKR Office in the United States.
SECURITY & POLITICS
Artsakh offered to support to compatriots from war-torn Syria. During a visit to a summer camp in Artsakh that includes Syrian Armenian children, Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan said that NKR was ready to help with accommodation and free education.
In July 19 elections, the incumbent president of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh Bako Sahakyan was re-elected to a second term collecting more than 66 percent of the vote. His main opponent Vitaliy Balasanyan polled more than 32 percent and Arkady Soghomonyan less than one percent. Following the vote, President Sahakyan addressed the nation emphasizing that the people of Artsakh once again confirmed their adherence to international norms and standards, their irreversible determination to build a free, independent and fair state.
More than eighty international observers from two dozen countries, including Armenia, Argentina, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, the United States of America and Uruguay monitored the elections in Artsakh widely covered by local and world media. According to judgments of the observers, the election was free and fair, and reflected the democratic will of the people of Artsakh.
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan addressed a congratulatory message to Artsakh President Sahakyan on his reelection.
Members of the U.S. Congress congratulated the citizens and government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic for the democratic conduct of Artsakhs presidential elections.
In their statement on the election, the Minsk Group Co-Chairs from France, Russia and the United States acknowledged the need for Artsakh authorities to try to organize democratically the public life of their population with election.
The House of Representatives of the State of Massachusetts adopted a resolution that urges the President and Congress of the USA to support the self-determination and democratic independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. The document condemns the killings of Armenians in Sumgait, Kirovabad and Baku and acts of violent repression by Azerbaijan against the peaceful campaign for self-determination in Artsakh and underscores that the Nagorno-Karabakhs security continues to be threatened by Azerbaijans hostile acts.
Azerbaijani diplomatic missions continue spreading disinformation about Artsakh in an attempt to mislead the international community, the NKR Foreign Ministry noted in a recent statement.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
California-based Scholars for Scientific, Educational and Cultural Development Inc. (SSECD) initiated iArtsakh project that aims to advance IT sector in NKR. On August 16 the group held an inaugural fundraising for iArtsakh project implementation. NKR government supports and welcomes the iArtsakh initiation of the SSECD.
Local administration of Armenias Lori province and Artsakhs Martakert district continues strengthening their economic ties. Governor of Lori region with his delegation arrived in Artsakh to discuss issues of mutual interest.
SOCIETY
Professor Roberto Giovanelli, who directs an art academy in Florence, Italy, in cooperation with the NKR Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs organized an art exhibition in Volterra, Italy, dedicated to Armenia and Artsakh.
About the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh
The Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh, was established in 1991 basing on a declaration of the local legislature, and results of a subsequent nation-wide referendum. The people of Artsakh defended their choice in a war unleashed by Azerbaijan. The Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh has emerged as a democratic, rule-of-law state with capable armed forces, a growing market economy, and an independent foreign policy.
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This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States on behalf of the government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh. 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 public representing the official policies and interests of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh. 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.
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