The referendum on the draft Constitutional changes has kicked off in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR). 280 polling stations of 11 electoral districts were opened on February 20, at 08:00, one of which is in the NKR representation in Armenia, and the one in “Shushi” correctional facility for convicts.
“The Constitutional referendum does not decide the status of Nagorno Karabakh. The status of Nagorno Karabakh has been decided by the independence referendum, while the constitutional referendum is its continuation,” Kocharyan said.
“Azerbaijan’s leader is in his style: mentions things which never happened, speaks about things which don’t exist, and aspires for something which won’t happen. This way the age of the Azerbaijani state which appeared for the first time on the world map 99 years ago will in no way be increased,” Kocharyan said.
Lernik Osyan, 20 year old soldier of the NKR Defense Army, was fatally wounded in unknown circumstances around 11:45 on February 18 in a military base in the southern direction, the defense ministry of Nagorno Karabakh informed.
“We do not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state,” the Ministry’s information and press department said. “We consider that its status should be determined through political talks in the framework of the Minsk process.”
The Co-Chairs recognized that the Armenian authorities’ recent decision to return the body of an Azerbaijani serviceman was a helpful humanitarian gesture. The two Ministers reiterated their commitment to strictly observe their international humanitarian obligations including those of the Astrakhan Declaration of October 2010 issued by the Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation.
“Should Moscow work instead of anyone? This isn’t the scenario. And as compromise isn’t so favorable to the sides, enough resources for pressure lack as well, and even if they exist, why should they be implemented? On account of this Moscow is led by the following logic: ”we shouldn’t allow the situation grow into uncontrollable conflict, then you should also be initiative.”
Greece’s stance on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement is unchanged, Ambassador of Greece to Azerbaijan Dimitrios Tsoungas told APA, announcing the Azerbaijani media have incorrectly translated his speech on February 10.
“Essence of Lapshin’s case was establishing fear atmosphere among foreigners intending to visit Artsakh, and Artsakh’s Ombudsman is in the European Parliament, moreover, introduces military crime committed by Azerbaijan, at the same time, grounding that allegations of the Azerbaijani side are baseless,” Bedo Demirdjian said.
On February 15, the expert group from the NATO Defense Education Enhancement Program (DEEP) visited the National Defense Research Univerity (NDRU), MoD, RA. President of the NDRU, Doctor of Political Science, Professor, Lieutenant-General Hayk Kotanjian welcomed the guests. He highlighted the support provided by the NATO expert group for the defense education reforms underway in Armenia.
