Putin: The maps showing the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Soviet times are in the General Staff of the Russian Federation

ArmInfo.  The most important  thing now is to finally settle the situation on the border, and here,  of course, nothing can be done without Russia's participation.  Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this during the plenary  session of the 18th meeting of the Valdai International Discussion  Club, referring to the settlement of the situation in the zone of the  Nagorno- Karabakh conflict.

First of all, the Russian leader paid tribute to the political wisdom  of both the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of  Armenia. According to him, nevertheless, despite all the tragedy of  the current events, they managed to rise above the current political  situation and make very important decisions.

"As far as I know, strange as it may seem, there are demands on the  leaders [of the countries] in both countries.  There are always  political forces that are dissatisfied with something or think that  they could have done better. But the answer always arises: "Try to do  better." Still, President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan managed to stop the bloodshed.

But this is not the only issue - although nothing is more important  than saving human lives, "Putin said, adding that there are still  important aspects, namely: it is necessary to create conditions for a  long-term settlement in the region as a whole.

According to the head of Russia, these conditions can be created only  if both sides accept the agreements reached as long-term and  especially if  both sides appreciate the advantages of peaceful  coexistence, and everyone is interested in this. He stated that  Azerbaijan is interested in normal communication with Nakhichevan,  and is also interested in unfreezing communications.

At the same time, according to Putin, one of the first tasks facing  Armenia is to establish an effective economic life, effective  interaction in the region, including even with Azerbaijan for the  future.

"In principle, Armenia is interested in this: To unfreeze its  relations with Turkey, to give them a modern character.

And this in both cases should lead to the achievement of the main  goal - to the creation of a safe coexistence of the two states, and  the creation of conditions for economic development. Is it possible  to do this or not? Perhaps. And we did everything in our power to  stop the bloodshed, but not only. Our peacekeepers are doing their  duty with dignity, over 50,000 refugees have already returned to  their homes, "the Russian leader said.

At the same time, Putin stated that, on the whole, it is possible to  preserve the situation in the conflict zone in the form in which it  is, there are no major hostilities. "Yes, unfortunately, incidents do  happen. Yes, unfortunately, even people sometimes die. But it's  probably difficult to imagine a completely idealistic situation after  so many years of confrontation. The most important thing now is to  finally settle the situation on the border, and here, of course,  nothing can be done without the participation of Russia. And in this  matter , there is no need for anyone but the two sides and Russia.  Why? There are very simple, pragmatic things,  because the maps that  show how passed the border between the union republics in the Soviet  period there are in the General Staff of the Russian army, "said the  President of Russia..

According to him, there are things there that also require mutual  compromises: somewhere to align something, somewhere to exchange  something - so that only this is recognized, it is clear that it is  beneficial to both parties.

"Is it possible to do this or not? It is possible. But, of course, we  are in favor of finding a multilateral format, including, say,  intensifying the work of the Minsk Group. We are working on this,  including with our partners."

The main thing is to achieve the main goal: the creation of a  security situation and the future building of relations in a positive  manner. So far, what we set for ourselves as goals, in general, we  have been able to achieve. Of course, we need to look to the future,  see what will happen next. But the point is not that the  corresponding article of our statement provides for a possible  extension of the stay of the Russian contingent. Is that the case?  The point is to build relations between the two countries. This is  the most important thing. I hope that we will be able to do it ", he  summed up.