Nagorno Karabakh observer: “OSCE position concerning Transdnestr referendum is very strange”

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“Referendum on Transdnestr Moldavian Republic’s (TMR) independence was conducted in accordance with all international norms; no violations were recorded by us,” Nagorno Karabakh delegation member, NKR FM and CEC representative Semyon Afiyan, who monitored the recent referendum on Transdnestr independence as an international observer, stated to a REGNUM correspondent.

The observer stressed republican citizens’ high activity and responsibility. Simultaneously, he called “very strange” position of the OSCE, which negatively reacted to referendum, having even sent no observers to it. The Karabakh delegation, which comprised NKR National Assembly Permanent Commission on State and Legal Affairs Chairman Yury Ayrapetyan and NKR Industrials and Entrepreneurs Union Chairman, NA Deputy Samvel Hakopyan, met with TMR President Igor Smirnov; it visited famous Kvint brandy-producing factory in Tiraspol, participated in harvest festival and new church’s consecration in Dayeban village. NKR IEU Chairman Samvel Hakopyan donated $500 to the church’s foundation.        

Economic cooperation was discussed during a meeting at Transdnestr Chamber of Commerce and Industry. NKR representatives familiarized themselves with Transdnestr production. The Karabakh delegation met with representatives of Armenian community in city of Grigoriopol, which was founded by Armenians under Katherine the Great. “Although, there are not many Armenians in Transdnestr, they play important role in republican social-political life, contributing to Transdnestr economy’s development,” Semyon Afiyan said. The NKR representatives donated books to local museum.   

It is worth reminding, the Nagorno Karabakh delegation was present at the September 17 referendum on independence, being invited by TMR leadership.