ArmInfo.The statement by the Foreign Ministry of Turkey on the presidential and parliamentary elections in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic) is another example of the biased and destructive position of Ankara. The statement of the NKR MFA received by ArmInfo also indicates that the opinion of Turkey on this issue fully coincides with the point of view of Azerbaijan.
" Turkey's opinion on this issue fully coincides with the viewpoint of Azerbaijan. By unconditionally supporting Azerbaijan and making statements that undermine efforts of the international mediators, the Turkish side causes serious damage to the peace process on the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict settlement.
Ankara's stance obviously contradicts the position of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen who are mandated by the international community for implementing a mediation mission on the settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen noted in their statements on the elections in the Republic of Artsakh in 2012 and 2015, that they "acknowledge the need for the de facto authorities in Nagorno Karabakh to try to organize democratically the public life of their population with such a procedure", as well as "recognize the role of the people of Nagorno Karabakh in deciding their future.
Ankara's destructive policy on the issue of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict once again reaffirms the absolute inexpediency of Turkey's membership in the OSCE Minsk Group, " the Artsakh Foreign Ministry noted.
Earlier, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement in which it stressed that Ankara does not recognize the results of the elections in Nagorno-Karabakh and considers them illegitimate. "The so-called presidential and parliamentary elections to be held March 31, 2020 in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia are a manifestation of efforts to unilaterally legitimize the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, which is contrary to international law. This step is a flagrant violation of international law, in that the number of UN Security Council resolutions and OSCE principles, "the Turkish Foreign Ministry assured.
At the same time, Ankara believes that at the stage when negotiations are under way within the framework of the OSCE Minsk process to find a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the elections "undermine efforts to achieve a peaceful and lasting settlement."
"We urge the international community, including the OSCE Minsk Group, not to recognize these elections. Turkey will not recognize these illegitimate elections, which will be another violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. As a member of the OSCE Minsk Group, Turkey will continue to support efforts to find a fair and long-term solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, "the Turkish Foreign Ministry summed up.