ArmInfo.Moscow says that the assurances of Armenian politicians that Russian peacekeepers silently observed ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh are destructive and untrue.
Thus, on January 12, Spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova, in response to a request to evaluate the accusations of Armenian politicians regarding the fact that Russian peacekeepers silently observed ethnic cleansing in Artsakh, in particular, said:
"We see these statements. We consider them destructive and, most importantly, untrue. It's strange that they continue. We have established a very good and trusting close dialogue with our partners the Armenian Foreign Ministry."
At the same time, she noted that Moscow has repeatedly conveyed its position to the Armenian side regarding such statements and noted that they only create new problems in bilateral relations. "And, of course, such statements do not contribute to anything: neither strengthening the bilateral agenda, nor solving regional problems, but, unfortunately, apparently this is beneficial for someone there," said the Russian diplomat, finding it difficult to say whether this is really beneficial for Armenia. At the same time, Zakharova noted that such statements, in Moscow's opinion, are attempts to falsify facts in order to relieve oneself of responsibility. "I can't assess it any other way," the diplomat said. At the same time, she recalled that Russian peacekeepers were sent to the region by decision of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation dated November 18, 2020, to "maintain the ceasefire in accordance with the tripartite agreements of November 9" and "to prevent massive bloodshed of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh as well as to avoid causing significant damage to civilian objects."
In this vein, addressing those who spread such accusations, she wondered what of the abovementioned points had not been fulfilled. "If someone has a conscience, and in the absence of a conscience, the audacity to say that some of these have not been done, please provide the facts! Put your arguments on the table. After all, there are none. Now there are hysterics and insults," she said , once again emphasizing that the Russian peacekeepers completed the tasks that were assigned to them. Zakharova once again emphasized that it was thanks to the professionalism of Russian peacekeepers that during the escalation on September 19, 2023, it was possible to stop the fighting. "Our Russian peacekeepers provided shelter for civilians, delivered humanitarian aid, organized medical evacuation. And no one has the right to insult them. And we will give an answer to those who insult them," she said.
Regarding the issue of ethnic cleansing, the diplomat suggested providing documents confirming this fact from international organizations that are considered authoritative in Yerevan, for example the UN or another organization. "If there is at least some document or statement that testifies that such ethnic cleansing took place, please provide us with links," said Zakharova cynically, who for some reason did not bother to say how it happened that that there is not a single Armenian left in Artsakh if there were no ethnic cleansings there.
At the same time, Zakharova, who assures that there is no ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, said in her next sentence that Moscow has repeatedly emphasized the need to provide conditions for the return of the Armenian population to Karabakh, based on statements by Baku. "We have identified the need to ensure proper rights and security for the Armenian population of Karabakh, and are ready to provide every possible assistance to this process, including through the Russian peacekeeping contingent," she concluded.
Luis Moreno Ocampo, the former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, published two reports on the genocide of the people of Nagorno Karabakh by Azerbaijan. Moreover, the Lemkin Genocide Prevention Institute has repeatedly warned about this tragedy.