Official Representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs M.V. Zakharova's comment on negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia's leaders in Washington.
"The Russian Federation is interested in the formation of stability and prosperity zone in the South Caucasus. One of the most important conditions is a comprehensive settlement of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia based on the interests of the peoples of the two countries.
We consistently support all the efforts that contribute to regional security. In this regard, the meeting of the leaders of the two countries in Washington, which took place with the mediation of the United States, deserves positive assessment. We hope that this step will contribute to the progress of the peace agenda.
At the same time, until recently Baku and Yerevan claimed that they prefer a direct dialogue without external help.
It should be reminded that the current stage of the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations began with the direct support of Russia and the central role of a trilateral high-ranking announcement on the ceasefire and all hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. A Russian peacekeeping force has been installed in the region, which has an indispensable contribution to stabilizing the situation.
We will always remember our peacekeepers who were killed in their official duties.
In 2020-2022, the same trilateral format was developed in all the main areas of reconciliation between Baku and Yerevan.
• Development of a peace agreement,
• Unblocking transport and economic communication in the region,
• on the border crossing and demarcation,
• Development of ties through civil society.
A lot has been done in the direction of each of them.
The best way to solve the problems of the South Caucasus is the search and further implementation of solutions developed by the region, with the support of their immediate neighbors, Russia, Iran and Turkey.
Involvement of players outside the region should contribute to the strengthening of the peace agenda and do not create additional difficulties and dividing lines. We would like to avoid the sad experience of the Western help in resolving conflicts in the Middle East. One of the examples of the South Caucasus is the presence of the EU observation mission in Armenia, the activities of which are constantly irritating other regional players.
Additional Analyze Washington's statements on unblocking regional communications. The trilateral agreements with Russia's participation in this area, of which no side have left, remain relevant.
It is also important to take into account the factance of Armenia's membership in the Customs Union of EEU, in particular, in terms of organizing transit cargo through the territory of the republic. It is also impossible to ignore the fact that the Armenian border with Iran preserves the Russian border guards under the September 30 interstate agreement of the September 30 1992.
The signing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the establishment of interstate relations, will have a priority in establishing peace between the two South Caucasus republics. Reconciliation between the two countries should be integrated into the regional context and based on the balance of interests and unconditional respect for the priorities of the parties and neighboring countries. "
