OIC Press Release

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is eyeing with deep concern the measures being taken by the government of the Republic of Armenia in arranging for the August 11, 2002 presidential elections at Nagorno-Karabakh area – a part of the Republic of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia since 1992.

The OIC emphasizes that such measures, illegal as they are, may further complicate this issue, thereby jeopardizing the future of peace in the region.

While backing the policy of self-restrained followed by the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the OIC calls for abidance by the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, the OIC and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) – all urging for the total withdrawal of Armenian forces from Azeri territories and respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan so as to bring about security and stability in that important part of the world.