Zakhrova Discusses Conditions for Resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

The resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should take place within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. This was stated today by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a briefing.

According to her, the co-chairs of the Minsk Group (Russia, the USA, France) emphasized in a statement on April 13 that "it is necessary to pay special attention to the work of achieving a final comprehensive and sustainable resolution of the conflict." She also drew attention to the fact that the three countries have called on Yerevan and Baku to restore high-level political dialogue under the auspices of the co-chairs as soon as possible.

These issues, according to Zakharova, require additional efforts. They include the return of prisoners of war and other detained individuals in accordance with international humanitarian law, the exchange of all necessary data for demining in areas affected during the conflict, lifting restrictions on access to Nagorno-Karabakh, including for international organizations, preserving and protecting religious and cultural heritage, fostering cooperation between communities affected by the conflict, promoting direct contacts, and strengthening confidence-building measures among people.

"The co-chair format enjoys broad international support. It is within this framework that the political resolution of the conflict should take place," Zakharova noted. She stated that disagreements between Baku and Yerevan remain significant, particularly regarding the question of status.

Since the war in 2020, both countries have been at the beginning of the path of national dialogue and restoring mutual trust. She emphasized that Russia is actively mediating efforts to regulate relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"Russian peacekeepers guarantee peace and security in Nagorno-Karabakh. A trilateral working group led by deputy prime ministers is addressing the issues of unblocking transport and economic links in the region," Zakharova added.