"The elections held in the territories controlled by the illegitimate Armenian forces in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan are a new manifestation of the efforts to unilaterally legitimise the current situation in the region in violation of international law. This step is a clear violation of international law, including United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions and the principles of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe." 

Stating that Turkey perceives and condemns the elections held at a time when peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia are trying to continue, as an act aimed at undermining the peace talks, the statement said: "Turkey does not recognise this illegitimate election, which constitutes a violation of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We invite the UN and the international community not to recognise this election. Turkey supports the peace negotiations process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and maintains its belief that the signing of a permanent peace agreement as soon as possible will contribute greatly to the peace and stability of the region."