The Kremlin considers the issue of a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan urgent

Russia expects that Azerbaijan and Armenia will continue to work on signing a peace treaty, said Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov.

During a conversation with journalists, he was asked whether the Kremlin believes that after the decree on the termination of the existence of the NKR, it is possible to put an end to the conflict between Baku and Yerevan, and whether the issue of a peace treaty remains relevant.

“Well, it is certainly relevant. In addition, there are plans, of course, to develop transport communications and logistics in the region. This is extremely important for Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia. We hope that this work will be continued,” Peskov replied.

When asked whether the Russian peacekeeping mission would continue to work in the region after the expiration of the five-year period, Peskov said that this issue would be discussed.

“Since now we are talking about a mission that is located on the territory of Azerbaijan, this will be the subject of our discussion with the Azerbaijani side,” he explained.

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.

On September 21, negotiations were held in Yevlakh between the delegation of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and representatives of the Azerbaijani authorities. The second round took place on September 25 at the base of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Khojaly. The Kremlin previously emphasized that the humanitarian aspect is the most important in the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh.

The president of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), Samvel Shahramanyan, signed a decree on the morning of September 28 to terminate its existence and dissolve all institutions from January 1, 2024. On the same day, Shahramanyan’s adviser on special assignments, David Babayan, surrendered to the Azerbaijani authorities.