From the statements of the representatives of Baku and Yerevan, it becomes clear that the parties have diametrically opposed assessments of the situation and accuse each other of what has happened. Russia is in contact with both Armenia and Azerbaijan to bring the situation back to a peaceful course. This was stated by the representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova.
She recalled that the President of the Russian Federation had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Armenia, and that in addition, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu held negotiations with his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts, thanks to whose mediation efforts the clashes were halted.
“We continue joint work to ease tensions. We call on the parties to show restraint, to prevent new incidents and to resolve all disputes exclusively through political and diplomatic means. We are ready to continue support to ensure peace and stability in the region. The latest events confirm the importance of the speedy launch of the delimitation process and the subsequent demarcation.”
As for the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, Zakharova recalled their November 15 statement: “The co-chairs continue their active mediation efforts. The troika is now in Vienna to discuss the situation that has arisen. We again note the importance of a visit by the co-chairs to the region.”
Referring to the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance of August 29, 1997 between Armenia and the Russian Federation, as well as the possibility of using CSTO mechanisms, Zakharova noted that Moscow takes both bilateral and multilateral commitments seriously. “Appropriate bilateral consultations are being held. As for the CSTO, there they are carefully following the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.”
