Peacekeepers Are Leaving, But Not All: 'Hraparak'

The newspaper 'Hraparak' reports: 'The reports about the withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh were confirmed yesterday by both official Moscow and Baku. Meanwhile, we learned from sources connected with the peacekeeping force in Artsakh that the peacekeepers are not completely leaving Artsakh.

According to official data, about 2,000 peacekeepers are currently on a mission in Nagorno-Karabakh, and after the depopulation of Artsakh, an agreement was reached on both sides that there is no longer a need for peacekeepers, especially since large amounts of money are spent on their operations. Thus, only 500 peacekeepers will remain in Nagorno-Karabakh.

As to why not all are leaving, our source believes that by keeping a presence, both Russia will maintain its influence in the region, and Azerbaijan will have the opportunity to maneuver before the international community, stating that it does not consider the issue of 'Armenian refugees' resolved. Furthermore, it remains committed to the November 9 agreement, which stipulates that the term of Russian peacekeepers will expire in 2025.'