Referendum to Determine Nagorno Karabakh's Final Status: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

With the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh having reached a stalemate some time ago, the Co-Chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group have been forced to introduce new proposals to the sides involved in an attempt to move the diplomatic process forward. The Madrid Principles, as they have since become known, require mutual compromises between Azerbaijan and Armenia, including a return of territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijani control and an interim status for Karabakh, until the eventual determination of its legal status, probably via a referendum can be reached. This paper considers the practical difficulties of organizing a referendum: such as, who would be entitled to vote? What would be the question asked? And how the result would be determined? The author is of the opinion that if a referendum is to be held to determine the (final) status of Nagorno-Karabakh, it should be conducted immediately, without further delay, otherwise, the Minsk Group's proposals are likely to fail.