Your trusted source

PACE Swedish parliamentarian Björn von Sydow’s report The Situation in Kosovo and the role of the Council of Europe made member of Armenian delegation to PACE Naira Zohrabyan draw parallels with another non-recognized state, Nagorno-Karabakh, which proclaimed its independence on the same basis as Kosovo.

As our correspondent reports from Strasbourg, Mrs Zohrabyan reminded the European parliamentarians that Nagorno-Karabakh people have proclaimed their independence in line with all international norms, and that the ruling on Kosovo by the International Court of Justice also shows that one-way declaration of independence does not run counter the international law. More, according to her, not being a member of the Council of Europe, the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh voluntarily assumed a number of commitments towards the Council of Europe, one-sidedly joining various international conventions and thus proving its commitment to European values.

“The conclusion of the report on the activities of PACE Bureau that representatives of Kosovo Parliament can be present at all discussions regarding Kosovo is absolutely admissible. We welcome this approach. But I would like to ask why the same approach cannot be applied while discussing issues regarding Nagorno-Karabakh and why members of this country’s parliament cannot be present at these discussions. It would really be a fair decision meeting the fundamental values of our organization,” the Armenian delegate added.

Mrs Zohrabyan pointed out to another part of the same report on the representation of the northern Cyprus and Palestine in PACE and asked if it can be a precedent for Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

“I think it can be and it is worth thinking about it. Otherwise, PACE tries to form some commissions on Karabakh which no doubt can undermine the positive goals which I hope this organization sets before itself,” the Armenian delegate added.

She agreed with Swedish parliamentarian Björn von Sydow that the Council of Europe should intensify its influence and involvement in Kosovo, ensuring contacts with the Kosovo authorities on all levels.

“And I hope that it is not far away when the Council of Europe and my colleagues who are present here will admit that the unsettled conflict cannot justify any violation of human rights, and that people who live in Nagorno-Karabakh have the same rights as each of us who is present here. The Kosovo people, exercising their right of self-determination, achieved independence and we are discussing here how to help Kosovo build really democratic state. I want to believe that through the support of the international community and with our help, the Kosovo authorities and people will try to build really democratic state, a state the non-recognized Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh is building today,” Naira Zohrabyan said, addressing the European parliamentarians.