Lavrov: the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is almost resolved

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been practically resolved, but the parties still have to take “practical” steps to normalize relations. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov following the results of a ministerial meeting in the “3+3” format on the South Caucasus.

“The conflict has largely been resolved. Both sides agreed that Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan, and this was the main unresolved problem,” he noted (quote according to TASS).

Lavrov explained that now Baku and Yerevan need to take steps to prepare a peace treaty, delimitate borders and establish transport economic ties. The minister noted that Moscow is ready to help launch the process of delimiting the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

In the fall of 2020, the Second Karabakh War took place. As a result, a trilateral agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia was signed on November 9, 2020 on a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to the document, Russian peacekeepers were stationed in the region to monitor compliance with the ceasefire.

At the same time, from December 2022 to September 2023, the actual transport blockade of the NKR continued, since the Azerbaijani side blocked the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting the region with Armenia.

On September 19, Azerbaijan announced the start of “anti-terrorist measures” necessary for the “restoration of the constitutional order” in Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku demanded the dissolution of the regional government and the withdrawal of Armenian troops. Yerevan denied the presence of its troops in the region. The next day, Karabakh authorities announced the conclusion of agreements on a complete ceasefire.

September 28, President of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) Samvel Shahramanyan signed decree on the termination of its existence from January 1, 2024 and the dissolution of all government structures.