Karabakh conflict among Russia's foreign policy priorities: Zakharova

August 18, 2017 - 14:32 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Nagorno Karabakh conflict is among Russia's foreign policy priorities, foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday, August 17, adding that at the moment the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs are working on the preparation of the next summit on the issue.

"To this end, they held talks in Brussels with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in July," Zakharova reminded.

"Consultations will continue on the sidelines of the next session of the UN General Assembly in New York in the second half of September. Based on the results, a corresponding statement will be issued."

According to her, Russia has always supported measures aimed at reducing tension in the conflict zone.

Foreign ministry representatives from both Armenia and Azerbaijan have earlier said that a meeting will be held in September. No exact date has been mentioned though.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.