Russia will support a change in the format of negotiations over Karabakh if Armenia and Azerbaijan reach an agreement on the matters, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said.

“As for the negotiation format, of course this is a question for the parties. They are to determine and agree on the participants. As you know, the negotiation process is currently underway at the level of the leadership of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and if appropriate agreements are reached between the two capitals and states, we will support these agreements,” she said.

Zakharova was also asked about possible participation of “Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees along with the Karabakh Armenians in the Karabakh settlement process, as well as their return to these territories and their joint residence with the Armenian population, as it was before the conflict”.

In response the spokeswoman recalled the statement by OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing states, which said that the plan for a peaceful settlement of the conflict should include the right of all internally displaces persons and refugees to return to their homes.