U.S. Representative Howard Berman issued a statement on the occasion of presidential elections in Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic.

”I commend the people of Nagorno Karabakh for continuing to organize their governance on a democratic basis. I also congratulate President Bako Sahakyan on his success in the July 19 election. I wish him good luck in leading the country toward a final settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue, one that fully respects the right of Artsakh to self-determination.”

Nagorno Karabakh held presidential elections on July 19. Bako Sahakyan, gained 47 085 (66,7%) of the votes to win the presidential race. His major rival Vitaly Balasanyan garnered 22 966 (32,5%) of votes while Arkady Soghomonyan received 594 (0,8%) of votes.