Putin weighs in on attempts to "torpedo" Karabakh agreements

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that if the Nagorno-Karabakh war resumes, those who are trying to slow down the implementation of previously reached agreements will have blood on their hands.

"The people who are trying to do this (to slow down the implementation of the agreements - Ed.) should understand that there can only be one alternative, i.e. war. And if, God forbid, this happens, the blood of the victims will be on the hands of those who are trying to torpedo these agreements."

Putin stressed the importance of resolving the Karabakh conflict for the internal security of Russia.

He also said Russia expects UNESCO, as well as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to join the process of tackling the humanitarian problems in Karabakh. Putin specifically stressed the protection of historical monuments and religious shrines.

The Russian leader noted that representatives of other international agencies, such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Health Organization, the World Food Program and the UN Mine Action Service, have already started working in Karabakh.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev have signed a statement to end the war in Karabakh after almost 45 days. Karabakh (Artsakh) President Arayik Harutyunyan has said he has agreed to the deal signed by Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan.