Russia Supports Constructive Efforts of Neighbors of Azerbaijan and Armenia: Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the efforts of neighboring countries in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in an interview with the "Kommersant" newspaper.

“Russia supports the constructive efforts of Azerbaijan and Armenia’s neighbors aimed at stabilizing the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. We are in favor of working with all partners, including the neighbors of the conflicting parties, who have the ability to influence the sides to reach a political-diplomatic settlement,” Lavrov stated.

In response to a question about Moscow's stance on the proposal from the presidents of Turkey and Azerbaijan to create a negotiation format involving Ankara and Moscow, the minister noted that there are many proposals for the negotiation format, including its expansion, and that this issue was discussed during the meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Lavrov reminded that Moscow does not support a military solution to the conflict. “Considering the two peoples as friendly and fraternal, we cannot subscribe to such an idea. The presidents of Russia, the United States, and France have clearly expressed their support for exclusively political resolution,” the minister emphasized.

Moreover, he mentioned that Russia will work with Turkish partners to halt the military scenario of the conflict.

Lavrov added that it would be inappropriate for Russia to dictate terms to Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. “Given the shared history, culture, humanitarian, and economic ties with Azerbaijan and Armenia, any manifestation of dictation or imposition from our side would be more than inappropriate,” the diplomat remarked.

In conclusion, the minister stated that work continues on aligning criteria for monitoring the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, including within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.