Lavrov satisfied with situation in Nagorno-Karabakh normalizing

The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has substantially normalized and Russian peacekeepers are settling minor incidents promptly and effectively, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.

"We are observing positive trends in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. The situation on the ground has substantially normalized. The Russian peacekeeping contingent deployed along the engagement line and the Lachin corridor is acting as a guarantor of security," Russia’s top diplomat said at a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Ara Ayvazyan.

"Minor incidents that perhaps can’t be avoided in any operation are being ironed out by our peacekeepers promptly and effectively," TASS cited him as saying.

A trilateral working group at the level of deputy prime ministers "is working very actively and smoothly," the Russian foreign minister pointed out.

"We are interested in this work to proceed further and contribute to building a dialogue between Baku and Yerevan to ensure the sustainable development of the South Caucasus," Lavrov stressed.

He also warned against attempts to politicize the process underway in Nagorno-Karabakh to establish peace.

"This process must not be politicized now. It is moving along with difficulties, because among the issues that are being ironed out are the routes to connect this region, as well as ensuring what is now called the connectivity of inter-regional relations," Lavrov said.

"The issues regarding the line of contact, boundary delimitation and demarcation are being settled. These are practical, understandable things that must be solved so that the region could breathe again and leave peacefully," the minister explained.