Russia is ready to make every effort to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Andrei Kelin, Head of the Caucasus Department, Russian Foreign Ministry, stated in an interview with ANS agency.

According to him, preparations are underway for impending meeting of Russian, Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents in Kazan. “The presidents, foreign ministers are preparing relevant materials and the mediators are involved in the process. We are also making preperations for the forthcoming meeting. This is a very serious and delicate work,” Kelin stressed.

The Russian official emphasized that breakthrough in the Karabakh peace process depends on the on the will of the conflicting parties. “We believe that it is necessary to step up efforts for the peaceful resolution of the conflict. It is necessary to work in this direction in the future as well,” he said.

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, on May 26.

“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.