Nagorno-Karabakh’s parliament elects new de-facto leader
- 10 September, 04:47
Nagorno-Karabakh’s parliament elected Samvel Shahramanyan as the breakaway region’s new de-facto leader on September 9.
Some 23 members of parliament took part in the voting, with 22 voting for Shahramanyan and one against.
The election was held days after the former leader Arayik Harutyunyan announced his resignation along with the second most senior official, State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan on August 31. Harutyunyan said holding to power would hamper the ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan. Before his resignation, Harutyunyan signed into law changes that would allow parliament to appoint his successor.
Meanwhile, the EU said that it does not recognize the so-called elections held in Nagorno-Karabakh region – a majority Armenian-populated region recognized as part of Azerbaijan by the international community.
"In view of the so-called 'presidential elections' in Khankendi/Stepanakert on Sept. 9 2023, the EU reiterates that it does not recognize the constitutional and legal framework within which they have been held," Nabila Massrali, the spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, said in a statement.
"At the same time, the EU believes that it is important for the Karabakh Armenians to consolidate around de facto leadership that is able and willing to engage in result-oriented discussions with Baku," Massrali said, underlining the bloc is "committed" to supporting this process. Azerbaijan condemned the so-called elections as an "extremely provocative step"
"This is a clear violation of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, is by no means admissible and tolerable," an Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry statement said.
