DE FACTO N-K AUTHORITIES INVITE U.S. TO OBSERVE

C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 001674 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/03/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV PBTS AM AJ SUBJECT: DE FACTO N-K AUTHORITIES INVITE U.S. TO OBSERVE "CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM" Classified By: A/DCM Steve Banks, reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) The Yerevan representative office of the self-declared "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" (NKR) asked post to convey a letter to EUR DAS Matt Bryza, in his capacity as Minsk Group co-chair, advising him of an NKR referendum December 10 and inviting him to observe the proceedings. Full text of the letter, which is in English and is printed on letterheard marked "Chairman of National Assembly of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh," follows below. ¶2. (C) Begin verbatim letter text: H.E. Ambassador Matthew J. Bryza US Co-Chairman OSCE Minsk Group Dear Mr. Bryza, I would like to inform you that on December 10, 2006 a nation-wide referendum on adoption of Constitution of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic will take place. Please consider this your formal invitation to monitor the organization and conduct of the December 10 event. The NKR authorities are determined to hold the referendum in full compliance with all the international standards. your participation as observer will assist in further enrooting (sic) of democratic principles and the rule of law in Nagorno Karabakh. Authorities of the Republic hereby assure that all the observers will be provided with all the assistance and access required for full accomplishment of this important mission and mandate. We look forward to your positive response. Sincerely, /s/ Ashot Ghoulian END LETTER TEXT GODFREY