The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has issued a statement regarding the recent "elections" held in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. The OIC emphasizes that these elections should not be recognized by the international community.
The OIC's official statement asserts that these "elections" took place in the internationally recognized Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, currently under the temporary jurisdiction of Russian peacekeepers. This action is seen as an attempt to unilaterally legitimize the current situation in the region, which is in direct contradiction to international law. The statement highlights that this move constitutes a significant violation of international law, including United Nations Security Council resolutions, OIC mandates, and OSCE principles.
Furthermore, the OIC condemns these "elections," especially given the ongoing efforts by Azerbaijan and Armenia to engage in peace talks. The OIC considers these elections as detrimental to the negotiation process.
The General Secretariat of the OIC categorically refuses to acknowledge the legitimacy of these "elections" as they infringe upon Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Consequently, the OIC calls upon the United Nations and the international community to also refrain from recognizing these elections and to implement effective measures aimed at preventing any actions by Armenia that could jeopardize the delicate progress toward normalization in the region.
The OIC, an advocate for the peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, remains hopeful that the expeditious signing of a durable peace agreement will significantly enhance stability and harmony within the region.