The flag of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh) was adopted on June 2nd 1991. It is derived from the flag of Armenia, which consists of three equal horizontal stripes of red, blue and orange -- with a westwards pointing step like arrow (white division), which signifies very graphically Karapagh's current separation from Armenia, and its hopes for union with the Motherland. The design also recalls that of the world famous (and very expensive) Armenian rugs. /HyeEtch, www.hyeetch.nareg.com.au/