The status of Nagorno Karabakh should be determined via talks but not a referendum, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby told reporters in Moscow. In his words, referendum creates a situation 'which somehow predetermines the issues to be settled within the negotiation process. "This refers to Nagorno Karabakh's status. The issue is the core of the ongoing talks," the diplomat remarked.

When commenting on the EU's stance on the constitutional referendum Mr Semneby said the vote did not help the settlement. "The European Union regrets that it was held at a period when the talks between the sides resumed. Yesterday the European Union President said that the EU will recognize neither the referendum nor its outcomes," he added, reports ITAR-TASS.