Lavrov Expresses Hope for Continuation of Negotiation Process

We have agreed to try to resume dialogue between representatives of civil society and political experts through a second "channel." We also hope (we proposed this today) to initiate a trilateral dialogue through parliamentarians.

This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov while discussing the results of the Mirzoyan-Lavrov-Bayramov trilateral negotiations. Lavrov expressed hope that the negotiation process will continue: "We understand the interests of both the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides in using intermediaries not only from the Russian Federation but also from others. We welcome the willingness of those who are genuinely interested in helping Baku and Yerevan find agreements, which similarly work in this direction. However, attempts should not be made to artificially impose certain agreements, not based on the interests of the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples, but for the sake of nice headlines in the media, for geopolitical and domestic political considerations."

The Russian Foreign Minister also stated that they will continue "diligent work" in preparation for future meetings, including plans for another summit of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia this year.