EU doesn’t recognize Nagorno-Karabakh election but attaches importance to consolidation around de facto leadership

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. The European Union has announced it doesn’t recognize the presidential elections in Nagorno-Karabakh but believes “it is important for the Karabakh Armenians to consolidate around de facto leadership that is able and willing to engage in result-oriented discussions with Baku.”

The EU’s diplomatic service issued a statement after Samvel Shahramanyan was elected President of Nagorno-Karabakh on September 9.

“In view of the so-called 'presidential elections' in Khankendi/Stepanakert on 9 September 2023, the European Union reiterates that it does not recognise the constitutional and legal framework within which they have been held. At the same time, the EU believes that it is important for the Karabakh Armenians to consolidate around de facto leadership that is able and willing to engage in result-oriented discussions with Baku. The EU is committed to supporting this process,” the European Union External Action Service said.