Russia hopes for lasting ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh - PM Medvedev

BAKU, April 8. /TASS/. Moscow wants peace in Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and expects that the ceasefire deal will be lasting, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said in a joint statement on Friday after talks with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev. "Russia is interested in peace in this region no less than Armenia and Azerbaijan. I would like everyone to understand this," Medvedev said. The prime minister has again stressed that there is no alternative to resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by peaceful means. "That’s why, of course, we welcome the ceasefire that is in force and hope that this ceasefire will have a sustainable and long-term character and serve as a secure foundation to resume talks," Medvedev stressed. He also voiced hope that the conflicting sides will further adhere to those approaches developed over the past years and find compromise as "no conflict ends by victory of one of the sides." Russia is ready to act as a mediator and participate in the negotiating process, Medvedev added. The situation along the line of contact in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone deteriorated dramatically overnight to April 2 when fierce clashes began. The parties to the conflict accused each other of violating the truce. According to the United Nations, as of April 4 at least 33 people were killed and more than 200 others were injured in clashes. At a meeting of chiefs of General Staff of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Moscow an agreement was reached on the ceasefire from 11:00 a.m. Moscow time (0800GMT) on April 5. Read more