International Community Does Not Recognize NKR Parliamentary Elections: Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe

The Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has issued a declaration saying the international community does not recognize the parliamentary elections held on 23 May 2010 in the Artsakh Republic.

"The "parliamentary elections" organized in Nagorno Karabakh on 23 May 2010 are not recognized by the international community," reads the declaration.

Further it says that the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe reiterates its full support to the OSCE Minsk Group.

"The Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe reiterates its full support to the OSCE Minsk Group and its Co-Chairmen in their efforts towards a settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. It calls on all parties concerned to intensify their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, in accordance with the commitment undertaken by Armenia and Azerbaijan upon accession to the Council of Europe," reads the declaration.

Earlier High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton had said in a statement that the EU "does not recognize the constitutional and legal framework within which the parliamentary elections in Nagorno Karabakh will be held."

"I would like to recall that the European Union does not recognize the constitutional and legal framework within which the "parliamentary elections" in Nagorno Karabakh will be held this Sunday. This event should not prejudice the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I reiterate our firm support to the OSCE Minsk-Group, and the work of the three Co- chairs and their efforts towards a settlement of the conflict, and call on the parties to redouble their efforts to find a negotiated solution to the conflict. I recall the EU's readiness to offer further support to this end," said Ashton