YEREVAN. - Regarding strengthening the Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] statehood during the past year, several important steps have been implemented. One of them was holding presidential elections, with the presence of observers from 18 countries, Armenia’s Parliament Deputy Speaker and ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) secretary Edward Sharmazanov told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

According to him, presence of international observers proves the existence of de-facto Artsakh state. In addition, the presidential elections were run in full accordance with democratic standards. On this regard, Artsakh may indeed become an oasis of democracy in the region and give Azerbaijan lessons of democracy. Sharmazanov also stated that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ statement claiming that Artsakh peace process has no alternative corresponds to both Armenia’s and Karabakh’s positions.