US will not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh's elections (State Department)

Results of Nagorno-Karabakh’s May 3 elections will not be recognized by the U.S., the State Department said Friday.

“We will not accept the results of the elections on May 3 as affecting the legal status of Nagorno- Karabakh,” State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke told reporters.

“In the context of a comprehensive settlement of the conflict, we recognize that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh will play a role in deciding their future,” Rathke added, emphasizing that the U.S. does not prejudge the final status of the contested region.

The invasion of the territory by Armenia began in 1988 with minor conflicts, but evolved into a full-scale war in 1992.

Since the end of the war in 1994, Armenian and Azeri delegations have held talks about the status of Nagorno-Karabakh under the supervision of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Minsk Group.

Armenia is part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, which is a military alliance of six former Soviet nations, including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia.
 www.aa.com.tr
2/5/15
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Related[1]:

• Statement by the Spokesperson on Nagorno-Karabakh (EEAS 01.05.15)

From the Official Website of the European External Action Service:

"In view of reports about 'parliamentary elections' in Nagorno-Karabakh on 3 May, we reiterate that the European Union does not recognise the constitutional and legal framework within which they are being held. 

 

These procedures cannot prejudice the determination of the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh or impact on the negotiation process.

The EU firmly supports the OSCE Minsk Group, and its Co-Chairs’ efforts to progress beyond the status quo and bring about comprehensive peace negotiations. 

 

The EU stands ready to further support efforts, aimed at early peaceful resolution of the conflict."

   http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2015/150501_01_en.htm

  1/5/15

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Related[2]:

• Azerbaijan’s president says double standards policy behind unresolved Karabakh conflict

• Moscow urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to avoid steps leading to escalating tensions

• OSCE Karabakh group urges Azerbaijan, Armenia to prevent escalation of tensions

• Minsk Group discusses preparations for Paris summit on Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers