In an official statement on Monday, the United States declared its refusal to acknowledge the recent elections conducted by Armenians in the territories of Azerbaijan's Karabakh region.

State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the U.S. stance, asserting that Karabakh is not considered an "independent and sovereign state," consequently leading to the non-recognition of the election results.

"The United States will continue to strongly support efforts by Armenia and Azerbaijan to resolve outstanding issues through direct dialogue," Miller stated during a press briefing.

Miller also highlighted the recent appeals made by Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the weekend, urging the "immediate and simultaneous opening in the Lachin and Aghdam routes to allow passage of desperately needed humanitarian supplies."

"We urge the leaders, as the Secretary did in his calls, against taking any actions that raise tensions or distract from this goal," he added.

On Saturday, snap indirect presidential elections were held in the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh.

The President of the National Assembly of Artsakh acted as president until the election. The sole candidate, Samvel Shahramanyan, was elected in a 22–1 vote out of 23 deputies present.

Several countries and supranational organizations, including the Council of Europe and the European Union, declared the elections as unlawful. (ILKHA)