Lavrov: Karabakh Status Canot Be Determined Unilaterally

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov believes that, along with the measures to strengthen the cease-fire, it is necessary to work towards a political settlement of the Karabakh conflict. He said Yerevan understands the impossibility of determining Nagorno-Karabakh's status unilaterally.

"Of course, the most important thing is to avoid any new victims, prevent any violations of the truce, develop effective measures and mechanisms for this. This was signed by the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan five years ago, when they were invited by our President (Dmitry Medvedev at the time). They spoke in favor of creating a mechanism for investigating incidents, confidence-building, and we asked the OSCE to do it. OSCE representatives have outlined a project with different options. But, unfortunately, at that stage, somewhere in 2012, the matter went no further. But now we want to come back to this side," Lavrov said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to him, "the German presidency in the OSCE wants to be active, and we encourage that desire." "I think that the work started in the OSCE in due time with the consent of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan on the development of mechanisms for investigation of incidents and confidence building measures is now becoming more relevant than ever. We will focus on this. Of course, we do not forget about the political process. Perhaps the passions must cool down - it is clear. But the political process and the settlement has no alternative. There are well-known ideas that have been discussed between the parties. I am still convinced it is difficult, but possible to form them in documents that will be acceptable to all the parties," Lavrov continued.

With regard to the discussion of the topic of recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh, according to Lavrov, "Armenia does not discuss this - it is just a proposal of two members of parliament." "According to the law, the Armenian government, as they explained to all in order to calm the passions, should prepare an opinion on the bill. Now I'm not going to sound alarm or panic. When I was in Yerevan, I spoke with my counterpart Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on the phone, and then in Moscow after the early April events, and I was clearly reaffirmed Yerevan's commitment to a peaceful settlement. This means that the status of Karabakh will be determined in the context of an overall agreement, not unilaterally," Lavrov said.

He replied in the affirmative to the question whether a new meeting is planned in the near future.

"We plan to, because the matter requires more attention. Soon, I think, we will agree on the soonest contact," he said.

According to him, the negotiations will take place "with the participation of the Co-Chairs and the parties - because this work requires a collective format>.   -06D--