WASHINGTON. – In the context of comprehensive normalization of the Karabakh conflict, the United States recognize the role of the Nagorno-Karabakh people in determining their own future, State Department Spokesperson John Kirby stated at a press conference, referring to the local self-government elections to be held in Karabakh on September 13, as reported by Armenian News – NEWS.am correspondent.

"In the context of the comprehensive settlement of the conflict, we recognize the role of the population in the Nagorno Karabakh in deciding their future, however, United States does not recognize Nagorno Karabakh as an independent sovereign state, and we will not accept the results of the so-called elections on the 13th of September as affecting the legal status of the region. We also stress that the so-called elections in no way prejudge the final status of Nagorno Karabakh or the outcome of the ongoing negotiations to bring lasting and peaceful settlement to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict," Kirby stressed.