Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov touched upon the question whether how Artsakh can become a direct participant in the negotiation process. Lavrov spoke about this after the meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan at a press conference, responding to a Russian journalist’s question.
The journalist remarked that the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently made a sensational statement, according to which Artsakh must return to the negotiation table. According to the journalist, Russian co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Popov stated, that “At some point, Nagorno-Karabakh should return to the negotiation table”. The journalist asked Lavrov about Russia’s official position on this issue and whether that time is not near yet.
“Russia’s position has not changed: the Karabakh issue should be settled within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.
We are sure that this is an optimal format. As one of the three co-chair countries along with France and the US, we have a common and non-contradictory interest to create conditions that will allow Baku and Yerevan to reach an agreement. This work has been going on for many years, there have been different stages. By the way, Nagorno Karabakh has participated in these negotiations at some stages, then the format changed based on the agreement of the sides.
By the way, Mr. Popov has never said that it should return, you said “should”, be more attentive, please”, Lavrov said.
The Russian Foreign Minister also stressed that if the conflicting sides reach an agreement at some stage and Artsakh takes part in the negotiation process, it will be their decision. “We must respect that decision”, Lavrov stressed.