On September 17, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, who is in Artsakh on a two-day working visit, was received by Bako Sahakyan, the President of Artsakh.

Touching upon the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, the two sides expressed conviction that it should be settled through exclusively peaceful means, based on the principles of international law and within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, which enjoys the mandate of international mediation.

Touching upon the approaches and priorities of the Armenian sides with regards the negotiation process on Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, the interlocutors emphasized that ensuring the physical safety of people living in Artsakh is the core issue of the conflict. According to the Minister, Artsakh has succeeded in building a society with institutions of well-established statehood, based on democracy, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.

Referring to the shelling by Azerbaijani armed forces of the settlements in the bordering areas of Armenia, particularly Baghanis, Chinar, Koti villages, as well as targeting of civilian institutions, including kindergarten, Minister Mnatsakanyan noted that such actions are to be strongly condemned, and shelling of settlements and civilian population is a gross violation of international humanitarian law. The Minister further noted, that these actions of Azerbaijan, as well as the war rhetoric and bellicose statements contradict the appeals of the Co-Chairs and the international community to take steps towards creating an environment conducive to peaceful settlement of the conflict.

At the end of the meeting the Foreign Minister had a briefing with the representatives of Artsakh media.

On the same day, Minister visited TUMO Center for Creative Technologies in Stepanakert, where he learned about the Center's activities and achievements. Minister noted: "Children receive education in TUMO, which once again reminds us that Artsakh is first of all the people, the youth, who everyday shape their future by visiting here or other educational institutions, and our priority is to make that future quiet and safe."