In Armenia, unlike Africa where decolonization is taking place and no balance of forces is observed, the balance of forces is preserved. Consequently, the referendum in Southern Sudan should not serve as a precedent for the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as the situation in these two regions is quite different, political expert Levon Shirinyan said at today’s press conference.

“It is not an example for us. We live in a region with many ethnic conflicts spreading from the Balkans to the Great Wall of China. The 1915 Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire was a consequence of this. We should understand that our rivals are not Arabs but Turks with their own character and actions based on real political principle. Therefore, while solving this problem we should rely on our efforts only and strengthen Armenia without forgetting about our partnerships,” Shirinyan said.

A referendum on independence for Southern Sudan was held from 9 to 15 January 2011. More than 80% of eligible voters in the south 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 ruled in a non-binding decision in summer 2010.