Lavrov on the situation in Karabakh

Moscow/30.12.20/Turan: The situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict tends to normalize, Baku and Yerevan are determined to fulfill their obligations, show a high degree of cooperation in order to obtain a general stabilization of the situation. Russia, in turn, continues to fulfill responsibly and effectively its function of the guarantor of the ceasefire. No provocative actions against the Russian peacekeepers have yet been noted, stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with TACC, answering a question about the persistence of tension in the region, the absence of negotiations, skirmishes and the likelihood of a threat to Russian peacekeepers.

“The only noticeable violation occurred on December 13 on the line of contact where the Russian peacekeepers were not present. Vigorous steps taken by the command of our peacekeeping contingent in contacts with Azerbaijani and Armenian partners helped to avoid the escalation of the incident. We will continue to make every effort to prevent breakdowns of the truce.

The agenda provides for preventing any violations of the ceasefire regime, as well as clearing the area of explosive objects, exchanging prisoners of war and bodies of the dead, ensuring the safety of the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, resolving urgent humanitarian issues, preserving historical monuments, regardless of their confessional affiliation, unblocking transport and economic ties. There is a certain positive in all these areas, but there are also problems that are inevitable because of the extraordinary situation.

As for the discussion of still unresolved political issues, I can reaffirm our readiness both in our national capacity and through the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group to assist in organizing such meetings as soon as the parties are ready for this,” Lavrov said. -02D-