Russian peacekeepers to remain in Karabakh – Russian Foreign Ministry

Baku/09.10.23/Turan: The presence of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Karabakh is in demand, and in the future it will also be necessary. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in an interview with RBC.

According to him, it is necessary "for those residents of Karabakh who stayed there to feel calm." "It is possible that some of those who left Karabakh will decide to return at some stage. The presence of peacekeepers will be an additional factor of calm for them," he said.

The issue of the peacekeepers' further stay will be discussed and resolved between Moscow and Baku, Galuzin said, noting that the peacekeepers also carry out contacts between Baku and Khankendi. "A complex of very complex issues related to further settlement in Karabakh is also being resolved between representatives of the Karabakh Armenians and the Azerbaijani authorities with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers," the deputy minister said.

Recall that according to the trilateral statement of Baku, Yerevan and Moscow dated November 10, 2020, the Russian peacekeeping contingent was deployed in Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor. 1960 servicemen with small arms, 90 armored personnel carriers and 380 units of automotive and special equipment were sent there. Their deployment period is five years (until 2025); it will last automatically if none of the conflicting parties demands the withdrawal of peacekeepers from the region.

Peacekeepers deployed 31 posts in Karabakh. After the one-day war on September 19, 2023 and the withdrawal of most of the Armenians from Karabakh, the peacekeepers closed seven posts. -0-