International Standards Observed in Karabakh Referendum

“We were keeping a look-out in the Armenian-Greek settlement of Mehmana in the Mardakert region of NKR. The voting was civilized and discipline was observed. All essential literature and attributes were available. The observers were free to attend any polling station,” said Italian human rights activist, LIDLIP secretary Luciano Ardesi, who watched the constitutional referendum in Karabakh as an international observer. Mr Ardesi said ‘all international standards were respected, the voting was free and transparent and the referendum was legitimate on the whole. According to him the referendum was aimed not against anyone but at freedom and democracy. “The people of Nagorno Karabakh have the right to express their will. Each nation has right to self-determination. The international community should recognize Nagorno Karabakh’s right to independence or re-joining with Armenia,” he said added he will bring his opinion on the referendum to the notion of the Italian government and UN, reports IA Regnum.