YEREVAN. – This is the first time when the international community did not announce that it does not recognize the elections in Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), Caucasus Institute Director, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan said during a press conference on Friday, commenting on the statement made by Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with respect to Thursday’s presidential elections in the NKR. 

To note, Ashton had stated that she does not accept the constitutional and legislative structure whereupon the elections are held. 

“The elections cannot predetermine Karabakh’s future status. Yet nothing is said on the illegitimacy of the elections. If I recall correctly, such thing is [happening] for the first time,” the analyst said.  

In his words, Georgian MFA’s reaction of not recognizing the elections should not be considered hostile. 

“It is dictated by the situation. The Abkhazian and South Ossetian conflicts do not promise a mutually-acceptable settlement in the foreseeable future. [And therefore] Georgia must demonstrate its negative view toward all unrecognized states, even Kosovo, albeit its international recognition parameter is wider,” noted Alexander Iskandaryan.