September 22, 2023 - 16:14 AMT
Russia mediates discussions on return of displaced people to Karabakh

The Nagorno-Karabakh InfoCenter reports that negotiations are underway with the Azerbaijani side through the mediation of Russian peacekeepers to organize the withdrawal of troops and ensure the return of displaced citizens to their homes.

At the same time, the entry and exit of people from Artsakh is also under discussion.

Two days into a large-sclae offensive unleashed by Azerbaijan on September 19, the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh agreed to all of Baku’s conditions, including the dissolution of the Defense Army, according to a statement from the Karabakh President’s office.

“Through the mediation of the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh, an agreement was reached on a complete cessation of hostilities from 13:00 on September 20, 2023,” the statement said. “An agreement was reached on the withdrawal of the remaining units and military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia from the deployment zone of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the disbandment and complete disarmament of the armed formations of the “Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army” and the withdrawal of heavy equipment and weapons from the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh with the aim of their speedy disposal.

The statement added that issues raised by the Azerbaijani side on the “reintegration, ensuring the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as issues of ensuring the livelihoods of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh within the framework of the Constitution of Azerbaijan, according to the agreement reached, would be discussed at a meeting between representatives of the local Armenian population and representatives of the central authorities of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which took place in the city of Yevlakh on September 21, 2023, as well during subsequent meetings.