Nagorno-Karabakh must return to the negotiation process at a certain phase. 

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group Co-Chair Igor Popov (Russia) stated the aforesaid at a briefing on Tuesday in Stepanakert, capital city of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR).

The briefing was held following the Minsk Group co-chairs’ talk with NKR President Bako Sahakyan.

In Popov’s words, Karabakh must return to the negotiation process because, ultimately, the fate of the people living in Karabakh is being determined.

“We believe that this matter can be discussed after finishing the work toward the fundamental precepts,” the Russian co-chair said.     

He recalled that their visits to the NKR and their meetings with President Sahakyan mean engaging Karabakh in the discussions.

“We also discuss the vital issues that are touched upon at the meetings of the co-chairs,” Popov noted.  

The Russian co-chair also informed that they discussed the situation in the frontline.

“Unfortunately, not everything is as good as we would like; people continue to die. Although the number of the dead has decreased significantly, each death is a great loss and pain,” Igor Popov added.