Lavrov: Control Needed to Prevent Truce Violations in Nagorno-Karabakh

© SputnikTroops of the the Nagorno-Karabakh army are on the first line of defense at a makeshift model of a church they use as an altar
Troops of the the Nagorno-Karabakh army are on the first line of defense at a makeshift model of a church they use as an altar - Sputnik International
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Effective control mechanisms should be put in place in Nagorno-Karabakh to prevent warring parties from flouting the truce, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Sputnik in an exclusive interview.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. - Sputnik International
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Escalates As Azeribaijan Forces Violate Ceasefire
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — A resurgence in fighting between Azerbaijanis and Armenians over the Armenian-populated mountainous region killed scores of soldiers on both sides, prompting international mediators to step in. A ceasefire was agreed on April 5, but the neighbors have accused each other of violating the truce.

"The main concern now is, of course, to avoid new casualties and prevent truce violations by laying down effective measures and effective mechanisms," Lavrov said.

Lavrov told Sputnik that he believes it would be possible, though difficult to create documents on Nagorno-Karabakh settlement based on ideas voiced by the conflicting sides.

"The tensions should probably cool down first, that is understandable. But there are no alternatives to the political process, political settlement. And there are certain ideas that have been discussed by the parties. And I remain convinced that while it would be difficult, it is possible to write them down in documents that would be acceptable to all parties."

Armenia has assured Russia that the status of Nagorno-Karabakh will not be determined unilaterally and that Yerevan is committed to a peaceful settlement, Lavrov said.

"When I was in Yerevan and later spoke with my colleague [Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian] over the phone, and after that, when he visited Moscow following the events in early April, Yerevan's commitment to a peaceful settlement was clearly confirmed to me. This means that the status of Nagorno-Karabakh will be decided through a joint agreement and not unilaterally," Lavrov said.

"As for news on an Armenian discussion on recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh: it's not Armenia itself that is discussing this. It was suggested by two parliament members…I wouldn't panic right now," he stated.

This aerial view shows destroyed houses during the fighting at Martakert province in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan, Monday, April 4, 2016 - Sputnik International
Armenia Calls Debate on Recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh Statehood
The Russian chief diplomat said presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia had agreed to devise a confidence-building mechanism years ago and entrusted the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with drafting a set of proposals to this effect.

"Unfortunately, in 2012 this did not go as planned. But now we want that the sides return to this [proposal], the German OSCE chairmanship wants to be an active contributor and we welcome its intent."

A meeting on the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis is set to take place soon and will be attended by co-chairs of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Lavrov told Sputnik.

Asked if any meeting on the deadly conflict on Azerbaijan’s breakaway region was planned, Lavrov replied, "We have one in the pipelines because this issue needs increased attention."

"We will agree on a contact soon and, of course, co-chairs and sides [to the conflict] will be present. Because this work requires a wider format."

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