"Such a referendum is counter-productive to the ongoing conflict settlement process, which has recently shown visible progress, as acknowledged by the parties," said Minister De Gucht.

"We do not welcome a move that could jeopardize progress made at this promising juncture," he said, according to APA.

"A reason not to recognize this referendum is that no member of the international community recognizes the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh republic as an independent state."