Russia brokers Nagorno-Karabakh prisoner-swap deal

Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to swap prisoners captured during the fighting in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict between the two ex-Soviet nations started some 20 years ago when, during the decline of the Soviet Union, ethnic Armenians took control of Nagorno-Karabakh and the land corridor linking it to Armenia. Despite a ceasefire signed in 1994, skirmishes have continued since. The swap was agreed to at a meeting hosted by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in the city of Astrakhan. Medvedev said that "Russia will continue its efforts [towards brokering peace]. I believe a result is reachable. It inspires a somewhat moderate optimism, but the bulk of work is still ahead." The number of prisoners reportedly held by each side is small but according to Kremlin "it is not the quantity that matters," rather it is important that progress is being made.

By Szymon Kesek