Lavrov calls on Baku, Yerevan to resolve all issues through diplomacy

MOSCOW. Dec 23 (Interfax) - Russia stands for the resolution of all disputes emerging on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border by diplomatic means, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

"We exchanged views on stabilization of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, we are of the same opinion that the launch of practical efforts in delimitation would be the optimal solution, a relevant bilateral Azerbaijani-Armenian commission was created to that end, and the parties agreed that it would operate with Russia's consultative assistance," Lavrov said at a press conference following talks with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

"Of course, at the same time it is important to avoid the recurrence of the use of force and resolve all disputes solely by diplomatic means while ensuring the complete and stable operation of this mechanism," he said.

The Russian minister said that he discussed the situation in the Lachin corridor with his Azerbaijani counterpart.

"We reiterated that Russian peacekeepers are working literally on an hourly basis to resolve the situation in contacts with the relevant parties, and we stand for restoring full-scale transport communication as soon as possible and settling the disagreements about the development of the region's ore deposits," Lavrov said.

Russia believes that all parties must adhere to the obligations contained in the statement of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia of November 9, 2020, he said. "It's my understanding that our Azerbaijani colleagues hold the same position," the minister said.