Official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, commented on Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan’s statement in Stepanakert that “Artsakh is Armenia and that’s it” during a briefing.
“We are focusing on the fact that there is definitely internal rhetoric and there are internal rules that reflect the opinions of political movements and parties. And, we are also taking into consideration the fact that we are speaking about a democratic nation. There are people participating in the same peace process, as well as co-sponsors and international efforts, to achieve peace. And, undoubtedly, we must focus on the fact that statements made by either side must coincide with the context of general efforts made to promote peace,” Zakharova said.
She noted that it will be difficult to return to the original positions after controversial statements have been made that bring forth new issues that can change the balance of this unstable negotiations process.
“We have heard such statements, unfortunately, which have come from different levels and sides. Although I completely respect internal politics and understand that people have the right to have political opinions in democratic states, I would like for all sides to use one motive as their basis: to quickly come to a peaceful resolution,” Zakharova said.
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She also noted that the process for resolving the Artsakh conflict has been long and difficult, but there is a general understanding that things need to move quickly. Therefore, statements need to be appropriate and they need to promote this goal.
Victoria Andreasyan