Alexander Lukashevich on the escalation of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, 13 September 2022

STATEMENT BY MR. ALEXANDER LUKASHEVICH,

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION,

AT THE 1388th (SPECIAL) MEETING OF THE OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL

13 September 2022

On the escalation of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Mr. Chairperson,

The Russian Federation is extremely concerned about the sharp escalation of the situation in certain segments of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border during the night of 12 to 13 September. As has become known, people lost their lives as a result of the aggravation of the situation and we offer our condolences to their families. We wish the injured a swift recovery.

Russian officials are in close contact with the authorities in Baku and Yerevan with a view to stabilizing the situation. In the interests of peace in the region, the agreement on a ceasefire that was reached with the mediation of the Russian Government must be strictly adhered to as from 9 a.m. on 13 September. Russia calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to show restraint and refrain from steps that could heighten the level of tension.

We again emphasize that all contentious issues between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan must be settled exclusively by political and diplomatic means, and that, in relation specifically to border issues, the existing channels must be used, namely those provided by the bilateral commission tasked with delimiting the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with the consultative assistance of Russia. The basis for the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains full implementation of the provisions of the trilateral statements of the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan dated 9 November 2020, 11 January 2021 and 26 November 2021.

Thank you for your attention.