Russian and French Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmanuelle Macron discussed the aggravation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the leaders called for maximum restraint and an early ceasefire, the Kremlin's press service reports. The telephone conversation was initiated by the French side.
"The sharp aggravation of the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone was discussed at length. Serious concern was expressed about the ongoing large-scale hostilities. Vladimir Putin and Emmanuelle Macron called on the opposing sides to reach an early and complete ceasefire, de-escalation of tension and maximum restraint," the report says.
The press service added that during the conversation it was noted that there is no alternative to a diplomatic and political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis. "In this context, they discussed the practical aspects of their further interaction, primarily within the OSCE Minsk Group. They expressed readiness to issue a statement on behalf of the Minsk Group co-chairs (Russia, France and the United States) regarding the immediate termination of the hostilities and the resumption of negotiations," the press service added.
Political crisis in Belarus
Putin reaffirmed the position of principle that any interference in the internal affairs of the sovereign state and external pressure on the legitimate authorities are unacceptable.
"Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron also spoke about the developments following the presidential election in Belarus. The Russian leader reaffirmed the position of principle that any interference in the internal affairs of the sovereign state and external pressure on the legitimate authorities are unacceptable," the report says.
Speaking at the general political debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly (GA) at the end of September, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus Vladimir Makei stated that some states from among western neighbors of this country are trying to drive the republic into chaos and throw it back in development. According to him, Belarus is experiencing "external interference aimed at undermining the state system. Earlier, President of the Republic Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that the Belarusians themselves would come to an agreement and settle the situation in their country without any external interference.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS