Mr Putin noted that the problems in Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, affected Russia’s interests and hindered the smooth development of Russia’s bilateral contacts with both Azerbaijan and Armenia.
He underlined the special role of religious leaders in settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Addressing the spiritual leaders, the President expressed hope that their high authority would contribute to achieving peace between the brotherly nations of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
President Putin said that he planned to visit Baku in the near future and noted that he was in constant contact with Azerbaijani President Heidar Aliyev.
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II and Mufti Pasha Zade gave the President a joint declaration and address signed by the three religious leaders in which they expressed their view on the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. The address was also sent to the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia.