Yerevan /Mediamax/. Russia believes that the activity of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs should continue.

“They have made an important contribution to establishment of basic principles for the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, many of which are reflected in the 9 November 2020 statement. This concerns the return to Azerbaijan of the regions surrounding NK, the return of refugees, maintenance of the corridor connecting NK and Armenia, maintenance of security and peacekeeping operation, and un-blocking of all economic and transport communications in the region,” Deputy FM of Russia Andrey Rudenko said in the interview to TASS.

“The task of achieving a comprehensive political settlement, which is upon the co-chairs by the decisions of OSCE’ Budapest summit, is still relevant. This format has a powerful international support and can be useful in development of mutually acceptable approaches for further action, including the status issue. However, it should be done gradually, when the time comes.

Currently, the Minsk Group and its co-chairs could be active in strengthening trust between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. Development of a dialogue in the framework of civil society can facilitate general improvement of the situation in the region and create pre-conditions for further actions in political sphere,” he said.