The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the following transcript (in Armenian) of the remarks made by Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan at a joint press conference with Russian FM Sergey Lavrov today in Moscow.  Mirzoyan also fielded questions from reporters.

First, I would like to thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov for the warm reception and meaningful conversation that took place a while ago.

Undoubtedly, the exceptional relations between Armenia and Russia have predetermined both the geography of my first foreign visit and the atmosphere of today's talks, the results of which, I am sure, fully fit into the logic of the efforts to strengthen the allied relations of our states.

The main issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed in an open and credible atmosphere, which also create a wide field for foreign policy coordination on multilateral platforms.

A wide range of international and regional issues was discussed in detail. Firstly, of course, the topic of security and peace in our region.

Naturally, we have paid due attention to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, noting the areas around which joint efforts should be intensified.

The main emphasis was on the situation following the November 9, 202o statement adopted by the leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan, as well as the discussion of issues related to the resumption of the peace process under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group.

Russia has played a key role in stopping Azerbaijani aggression against the people of Nagorno Karabakh. The deployment of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh, as a factor in preventing provocations by Baku and ensuring the security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, creates preconditions for the restoration of normal life. In this regard, I would like to express my gratitude for the joint efforts of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.

We appreciate the efforts of the Russian Federation to implement the agreements, including the issue of the return of prisoners of war. Thanks to those efforts, it became possible for some of the Armenian captives to return to their homeland. At the same time, ten months later, in violation of international humanitarian law, Azerbaijan violates the implementation of both the provisions of the statement and other provisions of the statement, while spreading its own interpretation of them. All this points to the degree to which Baku respects the agreements, and, by continuing to resort to obvious provocations, deals a serious blow to the already shaky situation in the region.

The incursion of Azerbaijani military units into the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia since May 12, 2021 is unacceptable. It is a clear violation of international law.

Maintaining peace and stability in our region is our long-term strategy. We are ready to hold active negotiations on that agenda. However, the non-fulfillment of the commitments made by Azerbaijan in the November 9 trilateral statement, as well as the unfounded territorial claims against Armenia, the continuous aggressive rhetoric of the Azerbaijani authorities, do not contribute to the formation of a lasting atmosphere of peace in the region.

Today, I once again noted the fact that Armenia's position coincides with the position of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, according to which the issue of the political settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict remains open. We accept that the settlement of the issue, which will establish peace and stability in the South Caucasus, can be achieved only through negotiations. The basis for such a settlement should, first, be the issue of the status of Nagorno Karabakh.

During the exchange of views on the involvement of relevant international organizations in the reconstruction of the region, I stated that humanitarian access to Artsakh should not be politicized. It is about the protection of human rights. The issue of protection of several cultural, including Armenian religious monuments under the control of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces is extremely urgent.

The issue of preservation of many cultural, including Armenian religious monuments of Artsakh, which came under the control of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, is also extremely urgent.

Referring to the unblocking of economic and transport ties in the region, it was noted that the opening of communication channels can change the image of the region, diversify the logistical connection between Armenia and Russia. The tripartite statement of January 11 outlines the framework of that process. Here, too, we believe, arbitrary interpretation of the provisions is inadmissible.

In the context of foreign policy coordination, we discussed cooperation within the UN, OSCE, EEU, CIS and CSTO, where Armenia will soon assume the presidency, which will be aimed at increasing the potential of the organization for the benefit of collective security and balanced development.

Finally, I would like to thank you once again for the warm welcome and constructive dialogue. We are waiting for you in Yerevan at any time convenient for you.

Question: Are any meetings between the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides planned, or is a joint meeting planned?

To date, Azerbaijan has not complied with paragraph 8 of the November 9 statement, which called for the exchange of prisoners of war, hostages and other detainees on a "one-for-all" basis. In fact, the Azerbaijani side is hindering the implementation of agreements on such an important issue, which could have contributed to the creation of certain preconditions for the discussion of other issues. After all, how do you imagine the solution of this urgent humanitarian issue, which has caused suffering to many Armenian families?

Ararat Mirzoyan: Armenia has long fulfilled its obligations on this issue ․ The Armenian side released and returned to Azerbaijan all the prisoners of war of Azerbaijan on the principle of "one for all". We believe, as Minister Lavrov has already said, that Azerbaijan should return all Armenian prisoners of war and other detainees, not only in fulfillment of the provisions undertaken by them in the November 9 statement, but also in order to create an atmosphere of mutual trust. Further discussions on the final settlement of all issues can be undertaken. As for the previous question, Armenia has repeatedly stated that we are ready and see the settlement only through peaceful negotiations. Thus, we are ready for a meeting.

Question. The Taliban announced its final victory in Afghanistan after the departure of the last American soldier. As CSTO members, what is the common position of Russia and Armenia on the Afghan issue?

Ararat Mirzoyan: Of course, we are following the events in Afghanistan. It is safe to say that we are committed to peace in the region. We will welcome, in principle, the decision made by the people of Afghanistan on their future. As for Armenia, as a CSTO member state, we would like to make sure that there is peace and stability in all regions along the CSTO area of ​​responsibility, including in the region where Afghanistan is located. Therefore, we will also make efforts within the framework of the September summit to work out a common position on this issue.

Question:  Can you express your opinion on Azerbaijan's position that the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan should include Yerevan's recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity?

Ararat Mirzoyan: Answering the second question about the supposed peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, instead of the Azerbaijani authorities, I will now focus on the implementation of the November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021 trilateral statements. No peace agreement is being negotiated at this stage. If such talks ever start, they must include the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, based on the principles already established by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs.