Public to address government in Nagorno-Karabakh

As part of the Article 19 international organization's program titled "Strengthening Democracy in the South Caucasus through Freedom of Speech," the Stepanakert press club is going to conduct a public campaign, Free Microphone - A Message to Government, on July 1, 2 and 3. The basic aim of the program is to facilitate the shaping of civil society, development of constructive dialogue between government and the public, and consolidation of civil consciousness, Stepanakert press club president Gegam Bagdasarian told us. "Considering the fact that the majority of the population has no chance to communicate with the leadership of the nation directly and, furthermore, people's letters sent to various leaders are oftentimes not answered, the Stepanakert press club has thought advisable to provide citizens with an opportunity to address the national authorities and be heard by civil servants. A studio will be arranged in Stepanakert's central park that will enable people to address the republican authorities. The opinions will be summarized on a special cassette and submitted to the national government," Gegam Bagdasarian said.