The US recognizes the role of the population in Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding their future, Spokesman for the Department of State John Kirby told a daily briefing.

“In the context of a comprehensive settlement on the conflict, we recognize the role of the population in Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding their future. However, the United States does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent sovereign state, and we will not accept the results of the elections on the 13th of September as affecting the legal status of the region,” the Spokesman said.

He also stressed that “the elections in no way prejudge the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh or the outcome of the ongoing negotiations to bring a lasting and peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”