Russia conducts shuttle diplomacy in settling Nagorno-Karabakh dispute
(VOVWORLD) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by telephone with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian on Friday about the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Photo: AFP/VNA |
The foreign ministers discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement in the wake of mediation efforts by Russia with a view to end the shooting and hostilities in the conflict zone. The importance of the trilateral statement by the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia on November 9 was highlighted. They agreed that top priorities include the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees, unblocking economic and transport routes in the region, providing humanitarian aid and rebuilding civilian infrastructure. The ministers exchanged views on a long-lasting and full-scale settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis in the equal interests of the Azerbaijani and Armenian peoples based on the principles agreed upon with OSCE Minsk Group.