The Russian side did what it was supposed to do at the trilateral presidential meeting in Astrakhan, Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of Caucasus Institute, told a press conference on Thursday.

According to him, the OSCE MG Co-Chairs did not oppose the meeting either. “I have no idea why the meeting was held on October 27. However, it was important for Russia to organize the Presidents’ meeting before OSCE Summit in Astana, as RF attaches great significance to the impending summit. The meeting was held on the threshold of Azerbaijani parliamentary elections on November 7. The meeting has produced at least some results, moreover, I did not expect the Presidents to issue a joint statement,” Iskandaryan said.

The political scientist stressed the Mayendorf declaration was not mentioned in the statement as it is unpleasant for Baku. Besides, the statement also says both Armenia and Azerbaijan are members of International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC).