16:00, 2 August 2023

YEREVAN, AUGUST 2, ARMENPRESS. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has commented on the abduction of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) citizen Vagif Khachatryan by Azerbaijan, as well as the arrest of the lost Artsakh citizen Rashid Beglaryan.

According to Zakharova, such situations further complicate the process of finding solutions.

“What happened, of course, complicates the process of finding difficult but necessary conclusions, compromises and solutions. Of course, this exacerbates the situation. Secondly, we saw diametrically opposite assessments of the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides. Thirdly, regardless of this particular incident or other similar incidents, we rely on the importance of reconciliation both in the context of the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and in the context of ensuring the rights and security of the people of Karabakh," said Zakharova.

The spokesperson also emphasized the importance of the immediate opening of Lachin corridor.

“We are working with the parties and once again reaffirm the need to immediately unblock the Lachin corridor and ensure normal conditions for the life of the local population,” added Zakharova.

According to Zakharova, a lot depends on the political will and willingness to make compromises in this matter.

Vagif Khachatryan, a 68-year-old citizen of Artsakh, was abducted on July 29 from the illegal Azeri checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor, when he was on his way to Yerevan for medical treatment accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross. And 61-year-old Rashid Beglaryan left the Hin Shen village of Shushi while intoxicated on August 1, got lost, accidentally crossed into Azeri-controlled territory, and was arrested by the Azerbaijani border guards.