Azerbaijan condemns local elections planned in rebel region

"The so-called elections are yet another clear demonstration of the fact that Armenia is not genuinely interested in finding a political solution to the armed conflict. Instead, it has taken the path of provocations and escalation,” the ministry said in a statement. 

The ministry said Azerbaijan may be forced to take action within its internationally recognized borders to protect its sovereignty, responsibility for which will lie solely with Armenia.

Armenians captured nearly one-fifth of Azerbaijani territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts, in a war after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991.

While major hostilities ended with a cease-fire in 1994, no peace agreement has been signed despite talks mediated by Russia, France and the United States.

Armenia has yet to comply with four UN Security Council resolutions demanding immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly warned that it reserves the right to use force to regain control of its territory.