Karabakh chose presidential system based on host of factors: Armenia FM

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Nagorno Karabakh constitutional amendments concept is similar to an American model – a presidency-based democracy, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan told reporters on Thursday, August 25, according to Tert.am.

“It is up to Nagorno Karabakh to decide on a constitutional amendments concept. Being well aware of an external threat brought Nagorno Karabakh to this decision. I do not think it is a problem. The most important thing is having a democratic system,” Kocharyan said.

The Foreign Minister said he does not share the opinion that Nagorno Karabakh has decided in favor of “super-presidency.”

“Very often, when people mention a presidential system they imply a state like Azerbaijan. But the system Nagorno Karabakh has preferred is more like the American model. I think the fact of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict remaining unsettled has played its role,” Kocharyan said.

In response to a remark that Armenia decided in favor of parliamentary system despite a threat to its borders, Kocharyan cited a number of factors to be considered.

“First, a country’s size and potential has to be taken into account. For a number of reasons Nagorno Karabakh chose this model. They need an influential parliament, and they have a 33-member legislative body. So by deciding in favor of presidential government Nagorno Karabakh took a number of factors into account.”

Asked about the stage of the Nagorno Karabakh peace process, Kocharyan said that the agreements reached in Vienna and Saint Petersburg must first be implemented.

“Any progress is out of question without the implementation of those agreements. There is always a threat, and we must always be prepared,” he added.