On January 27, 2011, a declaration - “Building a Democratic State by the Nagorno Karabakh Republic” – was distributed at the PACE. The declaration was prepared by Armenian MP, member of Heritage faction Zaruhi Postanjian. The declaration reads: “Azerbaijan has declared itself the successor of the Azerbaijani Republic that existed between 1918 and 1920. But, Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) was never a part of that state, and it was because of the Kemalist-Bolshevik “deal” that Artsakh became a part of Soviet Azerbaijan. In 1991, the people of Karabakh voted “yes” to independence through a referendum that was observed by numerous international observers. But, refusing to accept the Artsakh Armenians’ legal exercise of their right to self-determination, Azerbaijan unleashed a large-scale war, which ended in signing a cease-fire agreement in 1994. Despite the constant violation of the cease-fire regime by Azerbaijan, the Karabakh Armenians continue to peacefully build their democratic state, observing international norms and standards, one of the most important of which was the 2006 constitutional referendum. Many international observers, experts and journalists recognized this referendum and subsequent presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections as democratic, free and fair. Dozens of political parties, mass media and NGOs function in Artsakh, and its market economy and national legislation correspond to international standards. The Nagorno Karabakh Republic is an established state deserving international recognition and membership in international organizations”. The declaration was signed by deputies from dozens of world states – Armenia, France, Greece, Hungary, Switzerland, Sweden, San Marino, and others. It is noteworthy that the declaration confirms the fact of the established statehood of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and the right of Artsakh to its international recognition and membership in international organizations. NKR MFA Press Service

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