Zakharova on the Meeting of Representatives from Stepanakert and Baku

The parties must fulfill their agreements. This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, during a press briefing, commenting on Russia's proposal to hold a meeting between representatives of Stepanakert and Baku on Azerbaijani territory and regarding security guarantees for the Nagorno-Karabakh side, especially against the backdrop of recent incidents in the Lachin corridor.

On August 28, Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General's Office announced the arrest of three Armenian football players at the Lachin checkpoint, who are accused of "desecrating the Azerbaijani flag." It later became known that they have been detained for ten days. The Azerbaijani side insists that after the detention period expires, they will be deported to Armenia.

"We need to focus on the implementation of agreements, this is the guarantee. If something has been agreed upon, moreover, signed at the highest level, it must be executed, rather than new things being invented, involving third, fifth, or tenth parties," said Zakharova.

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry added that as soon as the implementation of agreements is disrupted, the guarantees disappear.

In this context, the Russian diplomat noted the change in Yerevan's position, recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. It should be recalled that Armenian authorities have repeatedly emphasized the importance of initiating dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku within the framework of international mechanisms aimed at ensuring the rights and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.