Official Baku is making futile attempts to interfere in the processes involving the interests of Nagorno-Karabakh, says a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR).

According to the statement, Azerbaijan has lately intensified its attempts to challenge the advisability of foreign citizens` visits to Nagorno-Karabakh.

The NKR foreign office reports on Baku`s another destructive initiative. The Azeri authorities` attempts to interfere in the processes involving Nagorno-Karabakh`s interests have no legal grounds and should be viewed as another expression of hostility to Nagorno-Karabakh.

Over two decades Nagorno-Karabakh has been developing as an independent, democratic state capable of defending itself and ensuring fundamental rights and freedoms for its citizens.

Since it gained independence, the country has hosted tens of thousands of guests from most civilized countries. International organizations, including NGOs, as well as business companies have their permanent representations in the country. The NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs records a 15% annual increase in the number of tourists, which is evidence of the international community`s growing interest in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The NKR foreign office regrets the fact that any evidence of Nagorno-Karabakh`s development statehood causes inadequate reaction in Baku. The Azeri authorities often resort to blackmail and similar practices, which runs counter to the modern international legal and moral norms.

Baku`s latest initiative as an infringement on the Nagorno-Karabakh people`s interests, which is impediment to the establishment of confidence between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan - a requirement for a long-term settlement of the conflict, the NKR foreign office`s statement says.

The NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Azeri authorities to reject destructive steps and aim at political negotiations to establish peace and stability in the South Caucasus.