Georgia , Tbilisi, Sept. 23 / Trend , N.Kirtzkhalia /
Georgia does not recognize the so-called elections to the local authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reported.
"The Georgian Foreign Ministry definitely reaffirms its commitment to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders and its sovereignty. The Ministry does not recognize illegal so-called elections to local authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh," the statement reads.
The Ministry welcomes the efforts of the international community towards a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and believes there is 'no alternative to peaceful negotiations'.
The so-called elections in Nagorno Karabakh were held Sept.18.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.
Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - Russia, France, and the U.S. - are currently holding peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council's four resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.