BAKU. Sept 11 (Interfax) - The presidential election in Nagorno-Karabakh is "a flagrant breach of the constitution and laws of Azerbaijan and the norms and principles of international law," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has said.
"This step (the organization of the so-called election) is yet another element of Armenia's provocative, dangerous activity, which has escalated particularly in the recent period, and deals a strong blow to efforts towards normalization in the region and the reintegration of ethnic Armenians into the constitutional framework of Azerbaijan," the ministry said.
"The so-called election is more clear proof that Armenia and the so-called regime created by it, which seeks to maintain the status quo and continue the policy of occupation, have absolutely no interest in the peace process but instead have taken the path of provocation and escalation," it said.
"By hindering dialogue with ethnic Armenians residing on Azerbaijan's sovereign territory, Armenia is flagrantly interfering in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan and encroaching on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country," the ministry said.
Azerbaijan "will resolutely deter threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity within the limits of internationally recognized borders," it said.
"The only way to achieve peace and stability in the region is [through] the unconditional and full withdrawal of Armenian forces from the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and by disbanding the so-called regime. Azerbaijan urges all members of the international community to act consistent with their obligations deriving from international law and give the correct political assessment of the steps aimed against Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, take effective measures to prevent Armenia from taking steps that would endanger the fragile progress towards normalization in the region, and strongly condemn the illegal activity described as 'elections'," the ministry said.