MOSCOW (Combined Sources)-The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday reiterated Moscow's position on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process and Armenian-Turkish rapprochement, stressing that the two are separate processes, Russian media reported.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko discussed recent media reports that Moscow had changed course on its position regarding the two processes. Armenian Media, Nesterenko said, has alleged that "Moscow has changed its position and now links the processes of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement and Armenian-Turkish rapprochement."

"This is a misunderstanding," he stressed. "Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly clarified Russia's point of view. It remains unchanged. These are two different processes."

Maintaining that the Kremlin did not link the two processes, Nesterenko said Moscow has a "positive attitude" toward the protocols signed between Armenia and Turkey and "believe the establishment of good neighborly relations between Armenia and Turkey should objectively contribute to further steps to promote peace and security in Transcaucasia."

"As to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, despite continuing disagreements, the parties have managed to achieve some definite progress in agreeing on the basic principles for its settlement," he said, adding that Russia see's its role as a facilitator in the peace process. .

"At the same time we believe that the primary responsibility for the final choice should lie with the Azerbaijanis and Armenians themselves," he said. "Russia will be ready to support the solution option which will suit all parties involved, and if a compromise agreement is reached, to act as guarantor of the settlement."

"Clearly, a viable solution will be one that will enable returning stability and tranquility in Transcaucasia and in the post-conflict period help to maintain the historically established geopolitical balance of forces there."Nesterenko said.

He added that any solution to the conflict must ensure that the region cannot be transformed "into an arena of international political and military rivalry."