ArmInfo.Moscow stated earlier that the Baku-proposed principles for establishment of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and Yerevan's response are expected to be the basis for negotiations over a peace agreement, Maria Zakharova, Spokesperson for the RF Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated. The Russian president discussed the issue with the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders on April 9, and the Russian FM talked to his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts on April 8.
"Russia is determined to contribute to the signing of a peace agreement between Yerevan and Baku," Ms Zakharova said.
On February 24, 2022, Washington and Paris broke off all contacts with Moscow as OSCE Minsk Group co-chair. However, the real situation in the South Caucasus does not allow intervals in negotiations. It requires further consistent steps to establish long-lasting peace in the region if the USA and France stopped cooperating as co-chairs, Zakharova said.
In his context, Ambassador-at-large Igor Khovaev will continue in a new capacity of Special Envoy of the Russian FM for normalization of the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.
"The focus will be the preparations for the aforementioned peace agreement. We hope our allies and partners in Baku and Yerevan will support Ambassador Khovaev's efforts. We are open for constructive cooperation with other actors concerned," she said.