VASILY ISTRATOV: "RUSSIA HAS NOTHING TO DO BUT CO-CHAIR FOR SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO KARABAGH CONFLICT"

Azeri Press Agency
March 5 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku. Lachin Sultanova -APA. Candidate’s representative observed
the elections in polling station established in Russian embassy in
Azerbaijan on March 2, Vasily Istratov said at press conference,
APA reports

Istratov noted that leader of Communist Party Gennady Zyuganov’s
representative has observed the elections all day long and participated
in the calculation of votes and copy of final protocol was presented to
him. The diplomat noted that 85% of Russians residing in Azerbaijan
voted for Dmitry Medvedev. Istratov added that withdrawal of
Azerbaijani military contingent from Kosovo was domestic policy
of Azerbaijan. Ambassador noted that Russia’s position on Kosovo
had not changed. Asked how Azerbaijan-Russia relations will develop
during tenure of new President, diplomat stated that Medvedev visited
Azerbaijan several times and had good relations.

"Positive experience in Azerbaijan-Russia relations collected within
Putin’s tenure will serve to further develop bilateral ties," he
said. Asked whether Russia’s position on the settlement of Nagorno
Karabakh conflict will be changed or not, Istratov mentioned that
Russia was OSCE MG Co-Chair and Moscow did not plan to do anything
else.

"We try to stir up the negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan,"
he said.