How Long Will Peacekeepers Remain in Artsakh? Kopirkin Responds

The presence of Russian peacekeepers is a significant contribution to ensuring that people in Nagorno-Karabakh live with a sense of security, said Sergey Kopirkin, the Russian ambassador to Armenia, during a conversation with journalists after a commemorative meeting with graduates of the 'New Generation' program in Yerevan, as reported by Sputnik's Armenian service.

According to preliminary agreements between the parties, Russian peacekeepers are stationed in Karabakh for a period of five years. However, recently, the State Minister of Nagorno-Karabakh, Artak Beglaryan, emphasized the necessity of the indefinite presence of Russian forces.

'There are agreements, and our peacekeeping contingent plays a truly significant role in ensuring that people in this region live with a sense of security and a vision for the future. This is, indeed, a serious and important factor for peace and positivity in this difficult situation,' the diplomat stated.

When discussing potential further actions by the parties and the possibility of the peacekeepers' indefinite presence, he remarked, 'Life will show.'

It is worth recalling that on November 9, 2020, the leaders of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan reached an agreement regarding the deployment of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, signing a statement which stipulated that seven regions of Artsakh would be transferred to Azerbaijan, along with Shushi and Hadrut, except for one village, as well as villages from the Askeran and Martuni regions and the villages of Talish and Mataghis in the Martakert region.