The number of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh must be increased. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Minister of State Artak Beglaryan said this in an interview with RIA Novosti.

"We believe that the number of the Russian contingent should be increased, and its powers should be expanded," Beglaryan said.

As a reason for this, he noted the fact that the line of contact between the two sides has increased almost 2.5 times after the Artsakh war in the fall of 2020. Also, Beglaryan accused the Azerbaijani side of inciting a number of incidents at the border.

According to him, the Artsakh authorities will continue their efforts to achieve international recognition of the republic.

"After the international recognition of Artsakh's independence, it will be possible to consider also the matter of the republic joining Armenia," Beglaryan added.

He stressed that now Azerbaijan "feels strong," in addition, Turkey provides military and political assistance to it, and therefore the Artsakh authorities need to seek avenues to "resolve their problems gradually, step by step, and later through direct negotiations with Azerbaijan."

But for that, Azerbaijan must be "ready for peace," the Artsakh official added.