Intensification of Russia’s role in the solution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict meets regional interests of Moscow, Vasiliy Istratov, Russian ambassador to Azerbaijan stated to journalists on 23 October.
The ambassador stated Moscow is waiting for a reply from official Baku to RF President, Dmitriy Medvedyev’s invitation to hold a meeting of the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia.
Medvedyev, who was on visit in Yerevan, stated that a meeting of the three Presidents could be held in Russia soon. Medvedyev said the solution to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be discussed at the talks.
“A meeting of the three Presidents is expected soon. This meeting will be held in Russia”, the Russian President stated.
The conflict between the two countries of South Caucasia started in 1988 over territorial claims raised by Armenia against Azerbaijan. Until December 1991, Azerbaijan had lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh except for Shusha and Khojaly. But in 1992-93, Shusha, Khojaly and seven surrounding regions of Nagorno-Karabakh were occupied too. In 1994, the parties signed the ceasefire agreement and hold peace talks till today.
The co-chairs to the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the USA, are mediating for peaceful solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The OSCE holds regular monitoring in frontline of troops in order to maintain the cease-fire regime.
“The AR President hasn’t yet replied to the proposal regarding the meeting”, the ambassador emphasized.
According to the diplomat, numerous plans were worked out within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group as regards the conflict solution, but as both parties weren’t satisfied with these plans, they haven’t been completely adopted. “It is useless to speak about rivalry among formats, they should assist each other”, Istratov stated.
The diplomat regretfully admitted that the situation is very complicated in Caucasia at present. “It is one of the most important factors to search for a way out of this situation”, the ambassador said.
Trend
