Russia settles all the issues related to the peacekeepers in Karabakh solely with Azerbaijan, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Galuzin told Ria Novosti.
"All concerns concerning the presence of peacekeepers in Karabakh are currently being addressed completely by the Azerbaijani side," he emphasized.
Galuzin noted that, in compliance with the trilateral statement issued by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia on November 9, 2020, Russian peacekeepers will remain in Karabakh until November 2025, with the option of extending their presence further.
According to the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement, Russian peacekeeping personnel were deployed in Karabakh. Since September 19 of this year, 12 Russian peacekeeper observation sites and 16 temporary observation sites have been closed.
"Of course, the situation on the ground changed radically when the Armenian leadership decided to recognize Karabakh's belonging to Azerbaijan, which was confirmed at the summits held under the auspices of the EU, starting with the meeting in Prague in October 2022. Now we consider all issues related to the presence of peacekeepers in Karabakh exclusively with the Azerbaijani side. It happens in a mutually respectful and constructive atmosphere," said Galuzin.
The diplomat also referred to the 102nd Russian military base in Armenia.
"Russian soldiers and officers continue to effectively ensure not only peace and security in Armenia, but also stability in the entire South Caucasus. We consider any discussion regarding our military presence in the republic to be harmful and irrelevant," concluded the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation.
