Russia committed to Karabakh conflict peaceful resolution

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the information and press department of the Russian Foreign Ministry said, according to Azerbaijan Press Agency.

“Moscow’s position on the problem is reflected in numerous statements issued by the OSCE Minsk Group and underwent no changes,” the ministry said, when commenting on a recent interview of the commander of the Russian military base in Armenia, colonel Andrey Ruzinsky, who said that the base will interfere if Azerbaijan starts hostilities in Karabakh.

The Russian ministry also cited the statement adopted by the Presidents of Russia, U.S. and France in June.

“We continue to firmly believe that the elements outlined in the statements of our countries over the last four years must be the foundation of any fair and lasting settlement to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. These elements should be seen as an integrated whole, as any attempt to select some elements over others would make it impossible to achieve a balanced solution,” Presidents Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama and Francois Hollande said.

“We reiterate that only a negotiated settlement can lead to peace, stability, and reconciliation, opening opportunities for regional development and cooperation. The use of military force that has already created the current situation of confrontation and instability will not resolve the conflict. A renewal of hostilities would be disastrous for the population of the region, resulting in loss of life, more destruction, additional refugees, and enormous financial costs. We strongly urge the leaders of all the sides to recommit to the Helsinki principles, particularly those relating to the non-use of force or the threat of force, territorial integrity, and equal rights and self-determination of peoples. We also appeal to them to refrain from any actions or rhetoric that could raise tension in the region and lead to escalation of the conflict. The leaders should prepare their people for peace, not war,” they said.