Russian and French FMs discuss Karabakh settlement

 Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke by telephone with Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Yves Le Drian on November 19, according to the Russian ministry's press service.

"The foreign ministers discussed the events related to the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement in the wake of the mediation efforts undertaken by Russia with a view to ending the shooting and hostilities in the conflict zone. The importance of ensuring the implementation of the trilateral statement by the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia of November 9 was underscored. To this end, it is particularly important to establish cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNDP and UNESCO. Sergey Lavrov clarified the parameters of the Russian peacekeeping forces’ participation and the Interdepartmental Centre for Humanitarian Response’s functions," the statement reads.

The sides agreed that the top priorities include the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees, unblocking economic and transport routes in the region, providing humanitarian aid and rebuilding civilian infrastructure.

Lavrov and Le Drian also exchanged views on the further steps to reach a long-lasting and full-scale settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis in the equal interests of the Azerbaijani and Armenian peoples based on the principles agreed upon as part of the OSCE Minsk Group.