Davit Ishkhanyan: Artsakh Should Be a Full Participant of Negotiation Process

• 05.01.2015, 20:03
•  NKR,  Interview

"Armedia" Information, Analytical Agency presents an exclusive interview with the member of Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) Party of Artsakh Central Committee Davit Ishkhanyan.

-   Mr. Ishkhanyan, how would you assess the ongoing election campaign? Are there all conditions provided for holding transparent and legitimate elections?

-  One day is left for the official end of the electoral campaign. Within a month as a nominated political party we have organized our election campaign maintaining all the elements of law and we have been in all parts of Artsakh. That is why within the framework of our election campaign we have not recorded anything extraordinary or any violation of law. Favorable conditions are provided for competition. I think that there are sufficient prerequisites  and there is no point to undermine the elections of May 3 or consider them not being legitimate.

-  How would you describe the importance of NKR Parliamentary elections? According to you, can these elections secure progress in the NKR democratization process?

- Of course, this would be a step forward. Following the dynamic developments during the previous elections, it is obvious that the next elections will be a step forward not only for strengthening the roots of the fundamental principles of democracy, but also for people to reaffirm their right to self-determination and the freedom of will, fixed by the Constitution of December 10, 1991 and 2006. That is why when we compare the previous elections of 2010, 2005, 2000 with the results of the last 15-20 years, we see that in all times during the phase of development of elections most of democratic principles were provided.

-  How much will the elections impact the change of the perceptions of the international community and the developments of foreign relations? Can we expect more efforts after the elections on increasing the subjectivity of NKR?

-  Naturally, on the eve of every election we especially expect the Azerbaijani reaction of putting into question the election results. On the other hand, any kind of national election of Artsakh is a step forward in ensuring its place in the international arena and in strengthening its sovereignty. In this respect, this fact is proved by the international observation missions and their directly following the elections, after which they share their opinions and perceptions. I think that these elections will once again strengthen the self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and will create new opportunities to expand its activities abroad, especially in its recognition on international level. Besides, it will help the country to have its direct influence on the negotiation process.

-  What is your vision of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement?

-  Our party initially has adopted its opinion on the settlement process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. First of all Artsakh should be a full participant in the negotiation process. What took place some decades ago (the Karabakh exclusion) is not an adequate step for us. That is why our views are unchanged; we offer two thesis for the final stage of negotiation process; to engage Artsakh in the negotiating process as a full participant, and on parallel with this to intensify and deepen  the process of international recognition of NKR, by which we can affect the negotiation process.

-   What are the main peculiarities of your party compared to others?

-  Each party has its own characteristics. Perhaps these characteristics should be viewed from a different angle. However, one of them is that Dashnaktsutyun is a pan-armenian party which gives a different flavor. That is why it can more effectively meet the challenges against the country and the people.