The situation on the ground in Nagorno-Karabakh has significantly normalized, minor incidents are promptly and effectively resolved by Russian peacekeepers. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.
"We are observing positive trends in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. The situation on the ground has significantly normalized. The Russian peacekeeping contingent acts as a security guarantor, it is deployed along the line of contact and along the Lachin corridor. Minor incidents, without which probably no operation goes, are promptly and effectively resolved by our peacekeepers. They also pay constant attention to the completion of the exchange of prisoners of war," Lavrov said at a meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan.
Lavrov also noted that the trilateral working group at the level of deputy prime ministers "works actively, rhythmically." "We are interested in continuing this work and promoting the dialogue between Baku and Yerevan to ensure sustainable economic development of the South Caucasus," he stressed.
For his part, Ayvazyan noted that the ministers "have already discussed a couple of issues on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement." "In this context, we emphasize the importance of creating conditions for the resumption of the peace process under the auspices of the OSCE Troika of Co-Chairs. The most important issue is to ensure the implementation of the release of all prisoners of war and forcibly detained persons by Azerbaijan, this task should be resolved as soon as possible, which is also indicated by the numerous ongoing crimes", added the Minister.
He stressed that the issue of creating conditions for the return of refugees to their homes, providing humanitarian aid to the population, as well as the restoration of the economy of Nagorno-Karabakh and the unblocking of transport communications is no less urgent.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS