"In the context of a comprehensive settlement of the conflict, we recognize the role of the population in Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding their future. However, the United States does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent sovereign state and we will not accept the results of the so-called elections on the 13th of September as affecting the legal status of the region.” 

Kirby also said that the elections "in no way prejudge the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh or the outcome of the ongoing negotiations to bring the lasting peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”