Russia working to arrange Armenian-Azeri Foreign Ministers' meeting

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia is considering the possibility of organizing a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Moscow, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said on Thursday, October 8.

"We have proposed Moscow as a platform for a meeting of the heads of the foreign affairs agencies of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan with the participation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs," the Russian Foreign Ministry representative said, according to EADaily.

"We are holding consultations with the parties regarding the possible timing of the start of negotiations in this format."

Zakharova also said Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan will be traveling to Moscow on October 11 for a three-day working visit. Mnatsakanyan is expected to meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey, launched a large-scale offensive against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27, shelling Armenian positions and civilian settlements with large caliber weapons and rocket systems. Armenia and Karabakh have introduced martial law and total mobilization. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. International and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages.

Donations can be made to Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, which has launched a fundraising campaign to support Karabakh amid Azerbaijan's aggression.