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Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Over 500 refugees arrive in Stepanakert escorted by Russian peacekeepers

In all, according to the Defense Ministry, since November 14, over 1,700 residents who had earlier abandoned their homes have returned to Stepanakert

MOSCOW, November 17. /TASS/. Another procession of over 500 refugees has arrived in Stepanakert accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday.

"On November 17, some 502 refugees returned to Nagorno-Karabakh from the territory of the Republic of Armenia. A cavalcade of 24 buses from Yerevan proceeded to Stepanakert’s main square accompanied by patrols of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and military police," the Defense Ministry said.

The interagency humanitarian response center, created within the framework of a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin, ensured safe return and relocation of civilians to their homes. "Safety of the buses crossing the line of contact in order to return civilians to their homes in Stepanakert was ensured by the Russian servicemen," the military agency added.

In all, according to the Defense Ministry, since November 14, over 1,700 residents who had earlier abandoned their homes have returned to Stepanakert.

On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the core of the contingent is formed by subdivisions of the 15th separate motor-rifle (peacekeeping) brigade of the Central Military District. Russian observation points are positioned along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin corridor, connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The peacekeeping operation command is located in Stepanakert. The situation is monitored around the clock.

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Armenia Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh

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