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.