A referendum on independence for Southern Sudan may have a positive impact on other countries, having problems with a right to self-determination, particularly, on the Karabakh conflict resolution and international recognition of NKR, Secretary of Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Eduard Sharmazanov told NEWS.am. The MP stressed it is not by accident U.S. President Barack Obama stated the referendum in Sudan may become a precedent for the whole world.

According to him, International Court’s judgment on Kosovo may also serve as precedent. “The right to self-determination is becoming a priority and more acceptable than territorial integrity. The fact is that the world follows this path regardless of Azerbaijan’s aspirations. I consider the referendum once again proves there is no alternative if a nation wishes to exercise its right to self-determination,” he said.

According to Sharmazanov, though the process may be protracted, two significant developments  have taken place within the recent months, particularly International Court’s judgment on Kosovo’s status and referendum on independence in Southern Sudan.

“We should realize Nagorno-Karabakh declared its independence and held a referendum on independence based on international law and rules.  However, I am not saying what happened in Sudan must be repeated in Karabakh and the region,” Sharmazanov stressed. According to him, the most important thing is that in practice the world gives preference to people’s right to self-determination.

“We should not use double standards. Each precedent has its difficulties. However, the precedent of Sudan proves the world gives an opportunity to use nation’s right to self-determination.

A referendum on independence for Southern Sudan was held from 9 to 15 January 2011. More than 80% of eligible voters in the south had cast their ballots, along with 50% in the north.

Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008 did not break international law, top UN judges have ruled in a non-binding decision in summer 2010.