The topic of the infamous "Zangezur corridor" is shrouded in myths which are believed by many people, both in Russia and in Armenia itself. Konstantin Zatulin, a member of the Russian State Duma and Director of the Institute of CIS Countries, noted this in his address at the Lazarevsky Club meeting being held in the format of a Yerevan-Moscow videoconference.

The Russian lawmaker is sure that a lot depends on the position of Armenia on this matter.

Also, Zatulin stated that he does not believe in a “peaceful life” of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Armenians within Azerbaijan. In this regard, he recalled a number of incidents that took place after the last clashes, as well as the story of the murder of Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan, who was axed to death by Azerbaijani soldier Ramil Safarov, in Budapest, Hungary, in February 2004.

The Russian parliamentarian is convinced that first of all fundamental issues, such as the safety of Karabakh Armenians, should be resolved.

"What confidence can we talk about if we cannot be at ease for the lives of people living in Nagorno-Karabakh? After all, the countries that seek to take over Karabakh—that is, Azerbaijan and Turkey—have not even recognized the Armenian Genocide," said Zatulin.

He emphasized that the decision on the status of Karabakh is, in fact, the guarantee of the safety of its Armenians.