PACE MPs Call for International Recognition of Karabakh

STRASBOURG — On Thursday 29 PACE MPs signed “Building of a democratic state by the Republic of Mountainous Karabagh” declaration.
The document says “Azerbaijan declared itself the successor of the Azerbaijani Republic that existed from 1918-1920. But Mountainous Karabagh (Artsakh) was never a part of that state, and it was because of the Kemalist-Bolshevik “deal” that Artsakh had become a part of Soviet Azerbaijan.”
“In 1991, the people of Karabagh voted “yes” to independence through a referendum that was observed and recognised by numerous international observers. But refusing to accept the Artsakh Armenians’ lawful exercise of their right of self-determination, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack which ended with the 1994 ceasefire.
Even though Azerbaijan still violates this ceasefire, Karabagh Armenians continue to peacefully build their democratic state and are guided by international norms and standards, one of the most important of which was the 2006 constitutional referendum. Many international observers, experts and journalists certified this referendum and several subsequent presidential, parliamentary and local elections as democratic, free and fair. Dozens of political parties, media and NGOs function in Artsakh, and its market economy and national legislation meet international standards.
With its objective of building a democratic state, the Mountainous Karabagh Republic is an established state, and deserves international recognition and membership in all international organizations,” the declaration reads.
The document was signed by 29 PACE MPs representing 12 countries.