International peacekeepers can be deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh if both sides to conflict agree to it – Putin's spokesman says
YEREVAN, December 29. /ARKA/. International peacekeepers can be deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh if both sides to the conflict (Armenia and Azerbaijan) agree to it, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today in comments on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's suggestion that Russia initiate discussions in the UN Security Council on giving its peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh a UN mandate or sending international peacekeepers to the region, Russian news agency TASS reported.
"And it is not only Armenia, but also Azerbaijan that must give its accord. Armenia is one of our closest allies, while Azerbaijan is our very valuable and dearest partner," the Kremlin spokesman was quoted as saying.
He said also that Russia will continue efforts to facilitate the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
"The Russian Federation continues and intends to continue its mediation efforts, implementing primarily those agreements that have been reached on a trilateral basis," the Kremlin spokesman said.
He said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed on Tuesday the blockade of Lachin corridor by Azerbaijanis on the margins of an informal CIS summit.
'We are really concerned about the tension which has emerged around the Lachin corridor," Peskov said.
Peskov assured that "the Russian side will continue its work and its efforts both in contacts with Yerevan and in contacts with Baku.
Speaking at a government meeting today Pashinyan said: '"I must honestly say that Armenia is a staunch supporter of the presence of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh. However, the increasingly obvious approach of Russian peacekeepers, who silently look at the expulsion of Armenians from Karabakh, is unacceptable to us."
Pashinyan stressed that the Armenian side must work closely with the Russian Federation and other international partners to clarify these issues in order to prevent further aggravation of the situation and achieve a comprehensive settlement.
"I must also reaffirm Armenia's readiness to sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, complete the border delimitation process, and open regional communications," the prime minister said.
The sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia has been blocked since December 12 by groups of Azerbaijanis, described by Azerbaijani state media as environmental activists protesting against illegal mining in the area.
Armenia accused Azerbaijan of seeking to cause a humanitarian collapse in Nagorno-Karabakh and force its residents to leave their homes. On December 13-16, Azerbaijan also cut off gas supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh, pumped from Armenia.
Due to the blockade there is a shortage of medications, fuel as well as food and other essentials.” -0-
