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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Turkey, 17 February 2017

We have learned that a “referendum on constitutional changes” will be held on 20 February 2017 in Nagorno-Karabakh region which has remained under the occupation of Armenia for a quarter century.

This “referendum” is a clear breach of the principles of international law, the UN Security Council resolutions and the principles of the OSCE. This and other similar actions impair the efforts to reach a peaceful and lasting solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Turkey condemns this referendum which will constitute a new violation of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This referendum and its results, which we consider illegitimate will not be recognized by Turkey.

The Nagorno Karabakh conflict continues to be the most important impediment for peace, stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus. The clashes along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh and at some sections of the Azerbaijan-Armenia border in April 2016 clearly demonstrated that the status quo is not sustainable anymore and the conflict should immediately be resolved in a peaceful manner. Turkey, as a member of the Minsk Group, will continue to support the efforts aiming to reach a fair and lasting solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.