The Situation is Indeed Complex: Peskov on Azerbaijan's Checkpoint Installation in the Lachin Corridor

Russia continues to act as a mediator between Azerbaijan and Armenia; however, the situation is not easy. Both Baku and Yerevan must understand the imperative nature of the trilateral agreements for resolution, stated Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the President of Russia. This information was conveyed by RIA Novosti.

Earlier, Azerbaijan's State Border Service announced that its units had installed a border checkpoint at the beginning of the road leading from Armenia to the Lachin corridor, which leads to Stepanakert. Baku explained the establishment of the checkpoint by citing illegal use of the road toward Stepanakert by Armenian side and security threats. Azerbaijan's border guards noted that the Russian peacekeeping forces' command and the Russian-Turkish monitoring center had been informed about this issue.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia characterized the establishment of the checkpoint as a gross violation of the trilateral statement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan in 2020. In response, the establishment of the checkpoint in Baku was described as a legitimate step.

“Russia continues its mediation efforts, mainly focusing on the implementation of all provisions of the trilateral documents signed two years ago. Russia will continue to work in this direction together with both Yerevan and Baku. We continue our communications; the situation is indeed complex, it requires additional efforts, and mainly, it necessitates the understanding by the mentioned countries of the absence of an alternative for the implementation of those agreements,” Peskov told reporters in response to a question about whether Russia's mediation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan can be considered a failure in light of these events.

He also emphasized that the mediation work will continue. “We are working with the capitals, both Yerevan and Baku. And we will continue this work,” Peskov answered regarding what measures Russia would undertake in this situation.