President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in an interview with Azerbaijani TV channels expressed its attitude to the activities of the Russian peacekeeping contingent at the top of the Karabakh:
“I believe that the activities of peacekeepers we must evaluate through a wider prism, and, of course, there are many annoying moments. But, at the same time, it would be unfair to not mention the positive side of their activities. Now they do an important task . At the same time, they accompany the sending of our servicemen and the transportation of goods to Kalybadjar, Lachinsky districts, and in principle I can say that I have a positive effect on their overall activity. That is, the past year has become a lot clarified the situation because in our relations with Russia appeared a new element, which was not before.
Azerbaijani-Russian relations have always been very positive. But last year these ties have become even more dynamic, and the contacts have become more, including at the level of the presidents, and at different levels. It was an innovation for our bilateral relations, which could create a problem and strengthen the existing connections. Analyzing both the past and current year, I can say that the relations of the peacekeeping mission with Azerbaijani partners had a positive effect on bilateral relations. Therefore, we, citizens of Azerbaijan, should know this.
As for issues that cause irritation, when unrepresented illegal visits are made, on our part of the official level, the protest of Russia is expressed. Our Minister of Defense has repeatedly sent letters to his colleague, as well as the head of the peacekeeping mission, such steps were taken with respect to the last illegal visit of Valerie Pecres. We were given a response in such a way – they did not see, did not pay attention, she came on an ordinary car and so on. Although this, of course, is unconvincing, and I have to say, as is. It was an organized trip … Next to her was the former Foreign Minister of France Eurocomissar Barnier, another deputy. They went there secretly and returned. News appeared after their return, because they, apparently, feared that we would stop them in the Lachin Corridor. Because if we knew that they were there, it was definitely not let back.