Putin: Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan

"The tense situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has continued for many years. I don't think that this happened due to external interference," Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the annual press conference, Report quotes.

He noted that skirmishes often took place on the line of contact of the troops.

"Finally, it turned into a conflict. For many years, we have assumed that seven territories around Karabakh should be returned to Azerbaijan. From the international and legal standpoint, this entire territory is an integral part of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Once again, Armenia did not recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. In this sense, bearing in mind this circumstance, Nagorno-Karabakh is also Azerbaijan in terms of international law," Putin said.