Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Armenia did not use diplomatic channels to announce its decision not to attend the meeting with Azerbaijan, “If, after any event, one of the parties abandons the agreed negotiation round every time, the problems will continue to grow.” said.
Lavrov and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov held a press conference after their meeting in the capital Moscow.
Noting that Armenia decided not to attend today’s meeting, Lavrov said, “We learned from the press service of the ministry that Armenia refused the meeting. Diplomatic channels were not used. This is the decision of the Armenian side. The way Armenia reported to the meeting raises questions.” said.
Lavrov stated that they did not remove the tripartite meeting with the participation of the Armenian minister from the agenda and that they were ready to organize this meeting in Moscow.
“WE ARE IN SIDE TO RESTORED TRANSPORTATION IN LAÇIN CORRIDOR”
Touching on the situation in the Lachin Corridor, Lavrov stated that the Russian peacekeepers in the region continue to work on the solution of this problem, “We are in favor of re-establishing transport links as soon as possible and resolving disputes regarding mineral deposits in the region.” said.
Emphasizing that all parties must fulfill their obligations regarding the Lachin Corridor within the scope of the declaration adopted by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia in 2020, Lavrov continued as follows:
“These are issues that are inevitable in any issue and that of course need to be urgently evaluated and resolved. If, after any event, one of the parties abandons the agreed round of negotiation every time, the problems will continue to grow.”
“WE ARE SUPPORTING A SOLID AND JUSTICE PEACE BETWEEN AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA”
Regarding the issue of peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Minister Lavrov said, “We think that the parties should do their best to bring their positions closer on this issue. We are in favor of establishing a sound and just peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.” used the phrases.
Touching on the regional cooperation platform in the 3+3 format regarding the South Caucasus region, Lavrov shared the information that preparations were made for the ministerial meeting in the aforementioned format.
Lavrov stated that Russia had nothing to do with the Armenian-origin businessman Ruben Vardanyan’s decision to settle in Karabakh, “The President of Russia signed a decree on the removal of Russian citizenship at Vardanyan’s request. Vardanyan is no longer a Russian citizen.” said.
“ARMENIA SHOULD TAKE ITS OBLIGATIONS SERIOUSLY”
Recalling that the first round of negotiations with Armenia was held in Geneva, Switzerland in October, and the second round was held in the US capital, Washington, in November, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov said, “We learned almost at the last moment that there will be no third round of negotiations.” said.
Sharing the information that Armenia presented a new package of proposals for the peace agreement to Azerbaijan before the Moscow meeting, Bayramov said that they are not yet ready to respond to these offers.
Bayramov stated that the positions of Azerbaijan and Armenia differ on many issues related to the peace agreement.
Pointing out the importance of implementing the declarations adopted by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia in 2020, 2021 and 2022, Bayramov called on Armenia, “You must take your obligations seriously. This is the best guarantor of the solution. We think that the solution in the post-war period requires consistent work. No one is ours. This will not solve the problem for us.” he said.
“THE NEWS ABOUT LAÇIN CORRIDOR DOES NOT REFLECT THE TRUTH”
Referring to the situation in the Lachin Corridor, Bayramov said, “There is a lot of news that the Azerbaijani side has blocked the transportation here. This information does not reflect the truth. This can be denied with many arguments. We see that the situation is tense. We see that the Armenian side exaggerates the news on this issue to create the appearance of crisis. We think it’s unfounded.” said.
Commenting on Ruben Vardanyan, a businessman of Armenian origin, who is stated to have settled in Karabakh to avoid sanctions, Bayramov said, “The activities of this person are criminal. This should be put to an end. Therefore, the sooner this person leaves the region, the better it will be for us.” used the phrases. (AA)