The current stage of Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization began with the direct assistance and central role of Russia, through the adoption of the trilateral high-level statement of November 9, 2020. This was stated in a comment by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova regarding the negotiations between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington.
"It is worth recalling that the current stage of Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization began with the direct assistance and central role of Russia through the adoption of the trilateral high-level statement of November 9, 2020, on the cessation of hostilities and all military actions in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. A Russian peacekeeping contingent was deployed in the region, making an invaluable contribution to stabilizing the situation. We will always remember our peacekeepers who died in the line of duty," the diplomat emphasized.
The reconciliation of Azerbaijan and Armenia must be integrated into the regional context and based on a balance of interests, Zakharova noted. She stated that the meeting between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington, mediated by the United States, deserves a positive assessment. However, the involvement of non-regional players in finding solutions in the South Caucasus should not create new dividing lines, she stressed.
Russia will additionally analyze the Washington statements on the unblocking of regional communications in the South Caucasus. Zakharova added that in the sphere of unblocking communications in the South Caucasus, the trilateral agreements involving Russia remain relevant.
