Konstantin Kosachev: "Russia to back any decision on Karabakh"

According to Itar-Tass, in an interview with the Ekho Moskvy radio station on Wednesday, Kosachev said Russia did not pursue any own goals in the Karabakh settlement and upheld any decision, which would meet the interests of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains very difficult and Russia is ready to support any decision, which will satisfy the demands of both Armenia and Azerbaijan. If mutual accord is reached to deploy a peacekeeping contingent in the enclave, Russia should support their address and facilitate its implementation," the Duma lawmaker said.

Kosachev commented on Vice-Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov's statement on the possible deployment of peacekeeping forces in Nagorno Karabakh. Peacekeeping units could appear in Nagorno-Karabakh, the vice-prime minister said.

"As concerns Nagorno Karabakh, I do not exclude that peacekeeping forces can appear there in a foreseeable future for guaranteeing the fulfilment of all political accords that will be achieved sooner or later," he told reporters.

"The acey-deucy situation, excuse me for mauve ton, cannot continue endlessly," he said.

The fragile truce in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict area lasts for 12 years, since May 1994.

"There have been not less, but more flash points like Nagorno Karabakh in the world from year to year, and this causes regret," Ivanov said.