There is no ‘Lavrov’ Document on Deployment of Peacekeeping Mission on the Border: Igor Popov
“There is no Lavrov document,” Igor Popov, OSCE Minsk Group Russian Co-chair, told today in Yerevan, replying to the reporters’ questions on James Warlick of the USA and Pierre Andrieu of France. He informed that Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of OSCE Chairperson-in-office, accompanied him during the regional visit, with who they’ve been in the region since Tuesday.
Our chief purpose was supporting the sides to stabilize the situation, as well as to prevent military operations. I want to stress, that our mandate doesn’t include implementation of investigation who started the fighting and who takes the responsibility for the occurrences. The overall conclusion drawn from our talks is that the parties intend, or at least they are showing readiness, to maintain the ceasefire that was agreed in Moscow on Tuesday.
We have principally touched upon implementation of necessary steps to maintain peace. Naturally, the main issue is that the sides appeared on the negotiation table. There is principal perception that it’s necessary to return to political discussions. We have discussed mechanisms linked to strengthening and return of trust between the sides. We will continue those consultations in the capitals, then we’ll meet again, a week later.
Crucial issues, which need to be solved currently, at this very moment, in a short period, includes returning bodies of the killed soldiers, which is implemented by the Red Cross, and monitoring of the sides is implemented by Kasprzyk’s group.
I want to express my sympathies to relatives and friends of the deceased soldiers.
To the question what package is discussed by OSCE Minsk Group, on account of allegation by Sergey Lavrov, RF MFA, that Russia has proposals, and whether it supposes deploying of peacekeeping mission, was reflected by Popov, ho stated that Lavrov has repeatedly mentioned that there is no “Lavrov” document, there are proposals by the Co-chairs, which have been discussed throughout recent years, and there are a few variants based on three principles and six components: non-use or threat of force, right of nations to self determination and territorial integrity.
In his words, by saying the so-called “Lavrov” document was about this. He also clarified that peacekeeping mission is observed at the final stage, after peaceful agreement is signed.
Note, Sergey Lavrov, RF MFA, before the meeting with his counterparts from Azerbaijan and Iran 7 April 2016, gave an interview and spoke of Nagorno Karabakh conflict as well. He said, “We follow the situation. The most important point is that the sides maintained ceasefire regime. It’s very important to come to ideologies, enshrined in joint statements by Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, yet 3-4 years ago.”
Russian MFA uncovered some details on negotiations, “President Putin, and before him president Medvedev, were proposing several variants, planning settlement of the situation by liberation of regions adjacent to Azerbaijan, at the same time, deciding Karabakh’s status. There were also proposals to withdraw snipers from the Line of Contact. I consider, current situation will make all of us to approve those proposals and apply them.” Lavrov also touched upon Russia’s factor on NK conflict zone, “Besides efforts by OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, Russia appears with personal initiative as well. I’m not going to give details, but there are a few variants, which remain on the negotiation table, we touched upon the issue with Aliyev as well. We’ll continue implementing our efforts.”
By Araks Martirosyan
