Former commander of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno Karabakh, Lieutenant General Rustam Muradov assessed the work of Russian peacekeepers in the region. He told “TASS” about this during the meeting in Makhachkala.
“I assess (the activity of the peacekeeping mission of the Russian Federation) only positively. The assessment is given by the civilian population. Life in Karabakh is in full swing today. Of course, there are many difficult issues, but the process is ongoing: the return of people, the solution of a number of problematic issues. Therefore, I think everything will be fine,” Muradov said.
He noted that Russian peacekeepers will remain in Nagorno Karabakh for five years after the conflict. “In the future, a decision will be made to extend the stay of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.”
It should be reminded that on 6 September, Russian hero Rustam Muradov completed his mission as commander of the Russian peacekeeping force in Nagorno Karabakh. Major General Mikhail Kosobokov has been appointed commander of the Russian peacekeeping mission in the region.
Notably, on 9 November, Russian President Vladimir Putin, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a joint statement on the cessation of hostilities that started on 27 September.
The trilateral statement states in particular that Kelbajar will be returned to Azerbaijan by November 15 (later that period was extended by 10 days – ed.), Until November 20 – the Aghdam region, until December 1 – the Lachin region, leaving a 5 km wide corridor, which will ensure Armenia’s connection, but will not touch Shushi.
In addition, along with the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin corridor, Russian peacekeeping forces of 1960 troops with firearms, 90 armored vehicles and 380 vehicles and special equipment are deployed. The peacekeepers remain for five years with the possibility of automatic extension, unless the parties announce the termination of this provision six months before the expiration of the next five years.
It is also mentioned that internally displaced persons and refugees are returning to Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas, exchanging prisoners of war and exchanging other detainees, and unblocking all economic and transport ties in the region is carried out.
