ASTANA, September 15 (RIA Novosti) - It is essential for the Armenian and Azeri presidents to carry on a dialogue on the Karabakh issue, said Russia's President Vladimir Putin while opening a tripartite summit with his counterparts of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
"Whatever you may agree upon today, leaders' personal meetings always come as a stride forward," he pointed out.
Mr. Putin highlighted a determination of Armenia's President Robert Kocharyan and Azerbaijan's Ilkham Aliev to go on with their dialogue, and eventually settle the Karabakh issue through it. "I am glad to see you carrying on the dialogue, however involved the problem might be. A top-level dialogue is on, and that is essential. I am sure this conference will not be fruitless, and will promote settlement," he said reassuringly.
