Azerbaijani minister demands accurate mine maps in Karabakh from Armenia
Yerevan/Baku. October 14th. INTERFAX - The meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Ceyhun Bayramov with the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took place in Minsk on Thursday with the mediation of the Russian sides, the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported.
"The sides discussed issues related to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, including the implementation of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020," the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry said.
Mirzoyan highly appreciated Russia's mediation efforts aimed at a ceasefire, and in the context of ensuring the security of the Armenians of Karabakh, pointed out the importance of the presence of Russian peacekeepers.
"The Armenian Foreign Minister drew the attention of the parties to the fact that some provisions of the November 9 statement have not been implemented, stressing the need for the unconditional and speedy return of Armenian prisoners of war and other detained persons," the Foreign Ministry noted.
Mirzoyan also stated that a comprehensive and long-term settlement of the Karabakh conflict should take place in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group on the basis of principles and elements known to the parties.
In turn, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov stated the need for Armenia to transfer accurate maps of minefields to Azerbaijan.
"Bayramov touched upon the topic of mines in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, which is a direct threat to people's lives, in this regard, stressing the need for Armenia to provide accurate maps of minefields," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.
The Minister also voiced Azerbaijan's position on the post-conflict situation in the region and normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He stressed the importance of the full implementation of the trilateral statements on Karabakh signed on November 10, 2020 and January 11, 2021.
"Bayramov stated that Azerbaijan is ready to normalize relations with Armenia on the basis of respect for the principles of international law, in particular sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders. In this regard, he noted the importance of starting negotiations on the process of delimitation of the border of Azerbaijan with Armenia. The Minister also stressed the importance of implementing agreements on the opening of all transport communications in the region," the Foreign Ministry said.
Earlier on Thursday, Lavrov held meetings in Minsk with the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
At a meeting with Bayramov, he stated: "It is good that there is an opportunity to talk on our bilateral affairs and regional issues on the sidelines of the CIS Foreign Ministers. Our presidents recently talked on the phone, there are issues that need to be resolved."
