RF MFA Sep. 1 statement on readiness of Armenia and Turkey to normalize bilateral relations was to some extent different from two other OSCE MG Co-Chairs’ messages (U.S. and France). While Washington and Paris simply welcomed Yerevan and Baku steps, hoping that the parties will undertake concrete actions, (including establishment of diplomatic relations and unblocking of borders), the Moscow message contented a rather interesting thesis on absence of steps in joint Protocols that could have been interpreted as causing damage to a third country.

Which third country does Moscow speak of? Apparently, the matter concerns Azerbaijan -perhaps the only country in the world, that could trace in challenges and threats to its own interests in Armenian-Turkish reconciliation process.

“The opening of Armenian-Turkish border without Karabakh conflict settlement is not in Azerbaijani national interests”, Spokesman of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Elkhan Polukhov stated on September 1, 2009".

“Preliminary analysis of the Protocols, as well as elements and details of their implementation reveal thorough elaboration of the issues and determination of both Yerevan and Ankara. No provision of these documents (including the opening of Armenian-Turkish border-NEWS.am) can be interpreted as causing damage to a third country”, Russian MFA reports.

Thus, it should be stated that Russia reacted to the unconstructive position of official Baku without beating about the bush, factually repudiating Azerbaijani position voiced by Polukhov.