“On 23 May, so-called parliamentary elections were organized in Nagorno-Karabakh.  On this occasion, France would like to restate that the European Union as well as the whole international community – including Armenia as well – do not recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. Discussion of the conditions acceptable to all for the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been central to the work of the OSCE Minsk Group with the mediation of the three co-chairs France, the United States of America and Russia.  In this regard, the ‘elections’ of 23 May cannot form a part of this negotiation process in any way, nor can they facilitate the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh within the process of this resolution. France, along with its American and Russian partners, restates its conviction to encourage the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to find a balanced and negotiated solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through an agreement that is based on the Helsinki Final Act, without the use of force or threats, in accordance with the principles of territorial integrity, self determination and equal rights.”