Russia is convinced that chances for the peaceful conflict resolution are higher than ever, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov commented on the U.S., Russian and French Presidents’ statement on Nagorno-Karabakh adopted at the G8 Summit on May 26.

“If drawing parallel between the resolutions of all recent summits of the G8, we will come to the conclusion that chances for peaceful resolutions to the Karabakh conflict are higher today than before. We are no longer on the verge of a new conflict, but close to its solution,” ITAR TASS quotes Ryabkov.

According to him, coordinated work was carried out and there is a chance for progress and compromises.

As Armenian News-NEWs.am reported earlier, Presidents of Russia, France and Armenia issued a joint statement on Nagorno-Karabakh within the framework of G8 Summit, Thursday.

“We, the Presidents of the OSCE Minsk Group’s Co-Chair countries -- France, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America -- are convinced the time has arrived for all the sides to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to take a decisive step towards a peaceful settlement.

“We reiterate that only a negotiated settlement can lead to peace, stability, and reconciliation, opening opportunities for regional development and cooperation.  The use of force created the current situation of confrontation and instability.  Its use again would only bring more suffering and devastation, and would be condemned by the international community.  We strongly urge the leaders of the sides to prepare their populations for peace, not war.”

“We therefore call upon the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to demonstrate their political will by finalizing the Basic Principles during their upcoming summit in June.  Further delay would only call into question the commitment of the sides to reach an agreement.  Once an agreement has been reached, we stand ready to witness the formal acceptance of these Principles, to assist in the drafting of the peace agreement, and then to support its implementation with our international partners,” they said in a statement.