Russia’s Zakharova shuts down Armenian journalist Khankendi is Azerbaijan

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reaffirmed that Khankendi is part of Azerbaijan.

Her statement came in response to a provocative question from an Armenian journalist, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"As far as I understand, we are talking about Azerbaijani territory. The laws of that country apply there. That's the first point. Secondly, if this concerns cultural monuments, there are international organizations that deal with such matters, and they can be contacted... There is UNESCO, which works with countries on various issues. This question should definitely not be directed at us," Zakharova emphasized.

Meanwhile, responding to a question on the return of Armenians who voluntarily left Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region, Zakharova highlighted Azerbaijan's efforts to facilitate the reintegration of Karabakh Armenians. 

"We have repeatedly noted Baku's constructive steps aimed at bringing people back. The opportunity for return has existed and still exists. People simply need to take advantage of this opportunity... Has anything been done by official Yerevan to facilitate the return of these people?" she added.

By Khagan Isayev