Russian FM: Issues in South Caucasus should be resolved by countries of region, their closest neighbors

The issues arising in the South Caucasus should be resolved exclusively by the countries located in the region and their closest neighbors, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference in Yerevan, Report informs.

"We have nothing against foreign countries developing their relations with the states of the region, provided that such interaction is not aimed at creating tension or ignoring the interests of local countries for the sake of geopolitical games that do not lead to anything good," Lavrov emphasized.

He noted that Russia's position is openness to cooperation with all who are ready to work honestly and without hidden motives.

"In line with our approach, we confirmed Russia's readiness and provided assistance to Yerevan and Baku to move towards achieving full-fledged peace, harmony, through the conclusion of a peace treaty and the widespread unblocking of economic and transport communications, as well as the delimitation and demarcation of the state border," the Russian Foreign Minister said.

Lavrov believes that the European Union is actively trying to spread its mechanisms in the South Caucasus and in the Central Asian region: "No one can forbid anyone to develop relations with any country in the world, it should not be a zero-sum game. You cannot come and say: "we will offer you projects that interest you, but you stop communicating with a specific country." This principle of "Divide and rule" is alien to Russia, there is nothing free in this principle."