Karabakh Armenians' right to live at home must be guaranteed, yet evacuation to Armenia being discussed - Armenian govt

YEREVAN/BAKU. Sept 21 (Interfax) - The Armenian government and representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh are discussing the evacuation of Nagorno-Karabakh residents should that be necessary.

"The Armenian government and colleagues from Nagorno-Karabakh are discussing humanitarian affairs, as well as the evacuation of those wishing to the Republic of Armenia," the Armenian government told the state-run news agency Armenpress.

Decisions will depend on the situation and the outcome of discussions between representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Russian peacekeepers, it said.

"The Armenian government has not suggested the evacuation of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, as it believes that the right of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to a safe and decent life at home should be guaranteed. However, if the life of all or some Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh proves impossible, the necessary decisions will be made. Relevant preparations for such a turn of events are underway, and various scenarios have been elaborated," the Armenian government said.

Meanwhile, an Azerbaijani delegation and representatives of the Karabakh Armenian community have finalized the reintegration meeting in Yevlakh, Azerbaijani media said on Thursday.

No other details were provided.

At the meeting, Azerbaijan was represented by Ramin Mamedov, responsible for communications with Armenians living in Karabakh, Bashir Hajiyev, deputy special presidential representative, and Ilkin Sultanov, member of the special representative office.

The Armenian Karabakh community was represented by Sergei Martirosyan and David Melkumyan.

A representative of the Russian peacekeeping contingent also attended the meeting.