The Foreign Ministry called for an immediate return to the implementation of the trilateral agreements of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia

Baku/20.09.23/Turan:  The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a call for an immediate return to the implementation of the trilateral agreements involving Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia regarding Nagorno-Karabakh. These agreements outline a comprehensive framework for a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, with the primary objective of ending the ongoing bloodshed and preventing harm to civilians.

In an official statement addressing the sharp escalation of armed confrontation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian Foreign Ministry urged the conflicting parties to halt hostilities promptly and make every effort to safeguard the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh's population.

The Ministry underscored the significant impact on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement brought about by Armenia's recognition, both in October 2022 and May 2023, of Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan's territory during summits under the European Union's auspices. This recognition altered the fundamental conditions under which the joint statement by leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia was signed on November 9, 2020, and affected the status of the Russian peacekeeping contingent (RMK).

The statement acknowledged the RMK's consistent fulfillment of its mission in the region, which includes maintaining the ceasefire, facilitating contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian sides, and addressing humanitarian concerns on the ground. The RMK played a pivotal role in initiating direct dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert.

Additionally, the RMK is actively engaged in providing aid to the civilian population, including medical assistance and evacuation efforts.

On September 19, Azerbaijan announced the start of "local anti-terrorist measures" in Nagorno-Karabakh. The country's Defense Ministry announced its intention to ensure the implementation of the provisions of the trilateral statement of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia dated November 9, 2020, as well as to stop "large-scale provocations in the Karabakh economic region." Baku intends to ensure the "restoration of the constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan" and the safety of civilians, civil servants and Azerbaijani servicemen.--0--