“Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution will progress this year”
"Russia has traditionally played an active role in the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In 1994, Russia brokered the signing of a ceasefire agreement and put an end to the "heated stage" of the conflict," Special Assignments Ambassador of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Igor Popov told RIA Novosti.
The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair mentioned that Russia had been using its relations with Baku and Yerevan to seek directions for a conflict resolution during the meetings with the Russian, Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents and the only document, according to Popov, is the declaration signed in Moscow in 2008.
"This is the first and only document that the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents signed. The document clearly states the principles for establishing stability in the region and politically resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in line with international norms," said Popov.
Mentioning that Russian President Dmitri Medvedev has had more than 10 meetings with his counterparts from 2008 to 2012, Popov said the tension between the parties has decreased, including along the line of contact.
According to Popov, despite the main topic of Russia's mediation, the only thing left is to solve the issue of working out the Basic Principles for conflict resolution, and that is being carried out in close collaboration with the other Co-Chairs.
"I hope the parties show a constructive approach, which will help us make progress this year," said the Russian Foreign Ministry's Special Assignments Ambassador.
