Azerbaijani and Russian Foreign Ministers discuss recent escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh

Within the framework of the high-level week of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on September 22.

The issues of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia and the current situation in the region were discussed at the meeting. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed his deep condolences to the Russian Federation and the families of the victims in connection with the killing of members of the Russian peacekeeping contingent during “anti-terrorist operations in the Karabakh region”. It was reported that an investigation has been conducted and investigative measures have been taken. Minister Bayramov informed the other party about the anti-terrorist measures taken against illegal Armenian armed groups in the Karabakh region. "It was noted that the anti-terrorist measures carried out in less than 24 hours were successfully concluded with the termination of the existence of the illegal military presence financed and supported by Armenia in the later stages, even in the post-conflict period. At present, we have been informed that we have taken practical steps to confiscate the weapons and ammunition of the heavily militarized Armenian armed forces in coordination with the Russian peacekeeping contingent temporarily stationed in the region," the information added.

"In parallel with the confiscation of weapons, it was noted that the dialogue with the Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan has been advanced in the direction of the reintegration process," the information said. "In this regard, according to the results of the meeting held on September 21 in Yevlakh between the government of Azerbaijan and the representatives of the local Armenian population, it was noted that work is being done to meet the needs of the peaceful population living in the region. In this regard, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said that we believe that the anti-terrorist measures will increase the intensity of the work done both in terms of establishing peace and security in the region and the reintegration of the Armenian residents, and we will continue our efforts in the aforementioned directions," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Azerbaijani delegation once again apologized to Russia for the tragic death of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Karabakh on September 20, and assured the Russian side that a full investigation is underway, results are already available, and all those responsible will receive the deserved punishment. "The parties discussed the situation in the region as well as several current international problems, paying attention to the humanitarian component," the report said.

Russian Peacekeepers Deliver Humanitarian Cargo

Russian peacekeepers have delivered more than 50 tons of humanitarian cargo, including food and necessities for the peaceful population of Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"A total of more than 50 tons of cargo, including food rations and hygiene kits, including basic necessities, were delivered to Stepanakert by the cargo transport of Russian peacekeepers. At the location of the Russian peacekeeping contingent there are still 826 civilians, including 440 children, who are currently unable to return to their homes; they are being provided with all necessary assistance," the ministry added.