(RFE/RL)–European Union member countries said on August 2 they will not recognize the legitimacy of the presidential elections scheduled to take place in the self-declared republic of Nagorno Karabakh on August 11.
A declaration–adopted by representatives of EU member states in Brussels–says the EU confirms its support to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and does not recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh.
The declaration says the EU emphasizes the need for a stable political agreement concerning Nagorno Karabakh–which it says should be acceptable to both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
It also warns that the elections could have an "impact" on the peace process in the region.
The declaration says EU candidate countries – including Turkey – have as it puts it "aligned" themselves with the statement.