Karabakh Armenians Should Have the Opportunity to Return: Zakharova

Karabakh Armenians must have the opportunity for a safe return. This statement was made by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a briefing.

“As you have noted, the Azerbaijani authorities have adopted a special reintegration program. It has been emphasized multiple times that Russia welcomes and supports these steps. Karabakh Armenians should have the opportunity to return, provided that their rights and, of course, safety are adequately ensured,” said Zakharova.

She emphasized that Russia is ready to assist in every possible way with this process. According to Zakharova, this issue should be separated from the topic of the return of Azerbaijanis and Armenians who left Armenia and Azerbaijan in the late 1980s and early 90s.

In her opinion, substantial work is necessary to create conditions for the potential return of citizens. A comprehensive settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations is required, including the signing of a peace treaty, unblocking of communications, and demarcation of territories.