NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Stepanakert
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With its Declaration of Independence, the newly established Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) affirmed its privilege to conduct an independent foreign policy.
During the ongoing Azerbaijani aggression against Nagorno Karabakh in the summer of 1992, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE, now OSCE) sponsored its first peace negotiations among the conflicting parties (Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Armenia). Simultaneously, the Russian Federation continued with its mediation effort. There was clearly a need for a government body in NKR that would represent official policies and defend the Republic's interests in the international arena
Immediate tasks included participation in peace negotiations, managing military-political issues, establishing, maintaining and enhancing relations with neighboring countries, building relations with major regional and world powers and representing the republic in international fora. Respecting norms of international relations and committed to a peaceful resolution of the conflict with Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh's leadership recognized the importance of consolidating these efforts under a separate agency.
The NKR Foreign Ministry was established on July 23, 1993 following Robert Kocharian's decree, as Chairman of the NKR Defense Committee. Arkady Ghoukasian, an active participant in the Karabakh national liberation movement and Policy Adviser to the Defense Committee Chairman, was appointed the first Foreign Minister.
During the past ten years, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has become a critical component of our independent statehood, implementing NKR foreign policy and helping to strengthen the country's democratic processes.
NKR has effectively established permanent representations in Russia, France and the United States (OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries) as well as in Armenia, Australia, Lebanon and Germany.
Naira Melkumian served as NKR Foreign Minister from 1997 to 2002. Following the 2002 presidential elections, Ashot Ghoulian was appointed Foreign Minister in the new cabinet of President Arkady Ghoukasian. In 2004 Arman Melikian replaced Ashot Ghulian. In December 2005, Georgi Petrosian became the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh.
Ministry organizations, key officers and contact information:
Foreign Minister – Georgi Petrosian
Tel.: (37447) 94-40-87
Fax: (37447) 97-15-51
Email: minforaf@mfa.nk.am
Deputy Foreign Minister – Eduard Atanessian
Tel.: (37447) 94-45-28
Email: eduard@mfa.nk.am
General Secretary – Michael Soghomonyan
Tel.: (37447) 95-14-76
Head of the Political Department – Irina Beglarian
Tel.: (37447) 94-35-08
Email: ira@mfa.nk.am
Head of the Service of State Protocol – Semyon Afiyan
Tel: (37447) 94-72-63
For additional information, visit www.nkr.am or send an email to info@mfa.nk.am
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1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036
phone: (202) 223-4330 fax: (202) 315-3339
e-mail: info@nkrusa.org |
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