"First of all, it was possible to put an end to the bloodshed," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview to the "Russia 24" TV channel.
The President recalled that initially, the negotiations envisaged the principles of the return of 5 regions, later 2 regions to Azerbaijan, creation of a corridor in the area of Azerbaijan's Lachin region, the return of IDPs to their lands and recognition of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. Vladimir Putin said: "If we could reach this agreement, there would be no war. Now, I am definitely sure about that."
Answering the question about Turkey's support for Azerbaijan, the Russian leader said: "Azerbaijan is an independent, sovereign state, and Azerbaijan has the right to choose an ally it considers necessary. Who can hinder them on this issue?"
V.Putin reminded that so far, no country, even Armenia, has recognized Karabakh's independence. In terms of international law, Azerbaijan has returned itself the territories the world community considers Azerbaijan's. "In connection with this, Azerbaijan has the right to choose any ally that helps it," the President underlined. He noted that Turkey has been a member of the OSCE Minsk Group on the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, it is hard to accuse Turkey of the "violation of international law". According to the President of the Russian Federation, throughout the centuries, the dramatic history of the Russian-Turkish relations is remembered in Russia. The President drew attention to the fact that the history of the relations between European peoples was not less intense and tragic. He gave France and Germany as an example. These countries fought against each other multiple times, but now, they execute together the defense and security functions within the framework of the NATO, they cooperate within the European Union: "They have overcome these hardships and act for the sake of their peoples. Then, why can't we act the same way in the Black Sea region?"
Answering the question "Could it happen that the people, who will come to power in Armenia, will refuse to implement this statement?", he said that it would be a mistake equal to suicide, "I hope it will not happen so."