The talks held with the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers on October 6 in Moscow were very useful and concise, the Russian Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Yuri Merzlyakov exclusively told Trend.
According to him, both Ministers positively assessed the consultations. I think that the co-chairs share their opinion, Merzlyakov stated. The diplomat pointed out that after getting a response from both parties as to the presentation of the proposals regarding base principles of the settlement, the mediators continued talks. During the Moscow meeting, the Minsk Group co-chairs were united in their opinion with regards to the elements of several principles having differences, Merzlyakov said, adding that we hope to achieve mutual understanding in the talks that will continue on 24 October in Paris.
The diplomat emphasized that during the Moscow meeting, debates were not conducted on the organization of the next meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents. This question will be discussed in Paris. In addition, Merzlakov refuted the previous statement that the meeting of the leaders of the conflict parties may take place at the Summit of CIS on 17 October in Minsk. According to the diplomat, generally it is not planned hold a summit of CIS, this is planed for November.
Merzlyakov also underlined that the meeting of the Council of the CIS Foreign Ministers has been scheduled for 16 October in Minsk. Due to the possible absence of the Armenian Minister at the event, it was decided to organize their meeting on 24 October in Paris.