LAVROV: WE CANNOT IMAGINE KARABAKH CONFLICT TO ENTER HOT PHASE

Interfax, Russia
April 8 2015

MOSCOW. April 8

Russia dismisses the possibility that the conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh can enter a hot military phase, Russian Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

“We dismiss even a thought that the Karabakh conflict might enter a
hot phase. I am convinced that, despite the rhetoric, none of the
parties concerned wants this,” Lavrov said at a press conference
following a meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.

Asked what Russia’s actions would be if Azerbaijan steps up military
escalation, Lavrov said, “All obligations that the CSTO [Collective
Security Treaty Organization] members have undertaken on a reciprocal
basis are stipulated in the treaty itself. The cases in which the
fulfillment of the obligations is envisioned are also listed there.”

***There is no alterative to the peaceful resolution of the Karabakh
conflict, Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian said.

“The position of chair countries has been presented in five statements
issued by their presidents. As soon as the Azeri position is harmonized
with the approach of the international community, we will really
have a chance for political settlement of this conflict,” he said at
a press conference, after negotiations with his Russian counterpart
Sergei Lavrov.

“Regretfully, Azerbaijan has been rejecting proposals of the cochairmen
on the essence of the conflict settlement process and confidence
building measures,” the minister stated.

“There is no alternative to negotiations. The efforts of Armenia and
the cochairmen will be focused on the exclusively peaceful resolution
of the conflict,” Nalbandian emphasized.