News - Russia MFA: Russian peacekeepers will remain more than in demand in Karabakh

The mission of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh will remain more than in demand, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin told RBC. "The situation on the ground is quite dynamic. Many [Armenian] residents of Karabakh made a difficult decision to leave there. But at the same time, I assume that the mission of the Russian peacekeeping contingent will remain more than in demand. "The Russian peacekeeping contingent played a huge role, first of all, in achieving the ceasefire of September 20 and providing assistance to the [Armenian] residents of Karabakh until they emigrated [to Armenia]. Our soldiers accompanied the evacuated convoys, ensuring order and security. Unfortunately, six of our servicemen died in the line of duty. We are deeply sorry for that. "Contacts between the Armenians of Karabakh and the authorities of Azerbaijan are also conducted with the participation of the representatives of the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent. The complex of very complicated issues is also resolved with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers. "The role of our [peacekeeping] contingent [in Karabakh] is necessary, and I believe that it will be necessary in the future as well. First of all, the question remains that those residents who decide to return [to Karabakh] at some phase will feel at ease. And the presence of peacekeepers will be an additional factor of peace for those people. So, I would not say that the activities of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Karabakh have ended. The question of what could be the future modalities of the presence of that contingent there will be discussed and decided between Moscow and Baku," said the Russian deputy FM.