Russia says Karabakh ceasefire statement "generally being implemented"

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement on the one-year anniversary of a statement heralding a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, noting that agreements reached since then "are generally being implemented".

At the same time, Moscow said, it is important that Baku and Yerevan remain committed to the further implementation and strict adherence to all the provisions of the statement.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said the Russian peacekeeping contingent is making a significant contribution to stabilizing the situation and ensuring security in the region, and that both Azerbaijan and Armenia "appreciate this".

"We continue to make efforts to address the remaining humanitarian challenges, including the release of all detainees, helping to clarify the fate of all missing persons, handing over the bodies of the dead, and providing reliable maps of minefields. Ensuring the safety of objects of cultural, religious and historical heritage is also relevant," Moscow said.

"We note the importance of reducing tensions on the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border and launching the process of its delimitation with subsequent demarcation as soon as possible. We are ready to provide all the necessary advice."

The Russian side also stressed the importance of continuing efforts within the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship, first of all, in the context of solving the socio-economic and humanitarian tasks facing the region. The contribution of the ICRC, UNHCR, UNESCO and other relevant international organizations is also "in demand", the Foreign Ministry added.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev on November 9, 2020 signed a statement to end the war in Karabakh after almost 45 days. Under the deal, the Armenian side returned all the seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, having lost a part of Karabakh itself in hostilities.