Vartan Oskanian: Armenia may appear on the list of authoritarian states
Armenia was to abstain from the vote on the UN resolution that declared the Crimea referendum illegitimate, Vartan Oskanian, a lawmaker of the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK), said in reply to the queries about Armenia’s voting against the resolution. “I shall explain why. The resolution that was submitted by the Ukraine and has received majority of votes declares Crimea referendum illegitimate, saying it was annexed by Russia. We cannot disagree with the first statement as Armenia supports the right of self-determination for all peoples. One the other hand, we cannot be against the second clause, because after the Karabakh referendum [held 23 years ago] we have been negotiating with Azerbaijan over the issue with the aim of achieving an agreed solution. Considering these two factors, Armenia should have abstained from the vote showing that the country adherence to its principles. In addition, Armenia should have foreseen that it might appear on the list of internationally isolated and authoritarian states. It may be more important as a guideline for vote because it is what will be remembered rather than our principled stand. I am sure abstaining from voting would have been right.” said Mr Oskanian.
