The Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh is
still in demand, as the conflict has not been settled yet. Russian Deputy
Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said this in his interview with RBC.
“I suppose the conflict has not ended yet. Many residents of
Karabakh have made the difficult decision to leave. But, I think that the
presence of the Russian peacekeeping contingent is more than required now” he
said.
Galuzin noted that the Russian peacekeepers played a “major
role” in securing the ceasefire on Sept. 20 and in assisting the population
until they left Artsakh.
He said that talks are held between the representatives of
the Karabakh Armenians and those of the Azerbaijani authorities with the
participation of the command of the Russian peacekeeping troops as well. A
number of complex issues regarding Karabakh are also being settled with the
help of the peacekeepers.
“Our contingent is much required, and I think that it will
still be required in the future, first for the Armenians who have not left
Karabakh. We cannot rule out the possibility that some of those who have left
Karabakh will decide to return one day. With this regard, the peacekeepers’
presence there will serve as an additional factor for their peace of mind.
Thus, I would not say that the Russian peacekeeping contingent has outlived
itself. The future presence of the contingent will be discussed and decided
through the contacts established between Moscow and Baku,” he said.
