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Position Papers U.S. Direct Assistance to Nagorno Karabakh The Nagorno Karabakh Republic is grateful to the people and the government of the United States for their leadership in providing humanitarian assistance to Nagorno Karabakh. Nagorno Karabakh's humanitarian needs such as housing,
water-sanitation, and health-care needs must be addressed. We urge U.S.
Congress and USAID to expedite the remainder of the $20 million promptly
and consider additional funding for humanitarian, democracy-building
and economic development assistance. Nagorno Karabakh Peace Process The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is fully committed to
the peaceful resolution of the conflict with Azerbaijan and has agreed
to restart full-fledged negotiations without any preconditions. We welcome
the continued active involvement of the U.S. Congress in the search
for peace and stability in the region, and we call on the government
of Azerbaijan to abandon its war rhetoric and anti-Armenian propaganda.
In order to contribute to the establishment of an atmosphere of tolerance
and trust, we propose to the Government of Azerbaijan to agree to a
set of confidence building measures with Nagorno Karabakh. We find Azerbaijan's
rejection of Nagorno Karabakh as a full party to the peace negotiations
counterproductive. We also ask the U.S. Congress to continue its efforts
in advancing a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
by ensuring that Nagorno Karabakh is a full participant throughout the
negotiating process. Building and Strengthening Democratic Institutions The Nagorno Karabakh Republic is a young nation committed to enhancing democracy, transitioning to market a economy and building a rule-of-law civil society. However, the democratic processes and building of institutions within the republic, underway since its independence from Azerbaijan, must be strengthened and reinforced through democracy-building programs. We believe that strengthening of democracy throughout
the South Caucasus will create a strong basis for long lasting peace
and prosperity for the region. Nagorno Karabakh is unjustly excluded
from internationally sponsored democracy-building programs. We strongly
urge the U.S. Congress to initiate and support inclusion of NKR in all
U.S. and multinational civil society programs. Self-determination and De-Jure Recognition for Nagorno Karabakh The Nagorno Karabakh Republic appeals to the U.S.
Congress to formally recognize the right of its people to live free
of external threats and be masters of our own destiny. Throughout its
ten years of de-facto independence, NKR has directly participated in
the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) negotiation
process. It has proven itself to be a serious, reliable and predictable
partner. NKR has signed memorandums and protocols and joined several
international conventions. Nagorno Karabakh has been open to closer
cooperation with members of the international community. Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act The United States and the international community should hold Azerbaijan accountable for its blockades of Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia, in that they are actions equivalent to a declaration of war. Section 907 should remain in place as long as Azerbaijan
continues its ongoing and illegal blockade of Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia.
The government of Nagorno Karabakh recognizes the need for the current
waiver to Section 907 as it relates to the global war against terrorism.
However, given Azerbaijan's continued blockade and bellicose statements,
we urge Congress to ensure that any assistance provided to Azerbaijan
as a result of the waiver is not abused or used against Nagorno Karabakh
or Armenia. Economic Integration of the South Caucasus Natural resources and traditional transportation routes in the Caucasus should be harnessed to promote peace. An economically integrated South Caucasus will bring stability and economic prosperity for all the people in the region. Economic
cooperation between the NKR and Azerbaijan, an excellent confidence
building measure, can also promote the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict. The government of the NKR welcomes initiatives within the
U.S. Congress to urge and encourage Azerbaijan to build economic ties
with the NKR rather than excluding the NKR and Armenia from regional
development and integration projects.
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