Joint briefing of S. Lavrov and Elmar Mammadyarov

French President Francois Hollande made ​​a proposal to organize a meeting of leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan,  and Baku expects from Paris specificity in the development of this initiative, said  Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov today at a briefing after talks with Lavrov.

Concerning the results of the talks with Lavrov, Mammadyarov said that one of the themes of discussion was the Karabakh settlement. "We discussed what to do to move the negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh, as the status quo is unacceptable," said Mammadyarov. They also discussed the bilateral relations between Baku and Moscow, which, as noted Mammadyarov , are of strategic nature.

Referring to economic cooperation, Mammadyarov spoke about a growing trade and economic relations, although the current trade turnover does not satisfy the sides.

They also discussed issues of humanitarian cooperation, parliamentary diplomacy, regional cooperation.

The parties exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Lavrov expressed concern about the growth of terrorism in the Middle East. "It is dangerous for Russia and Azerbaijan, and for Europe," Lavrov said. He expressed satisfaction with development of bilateral and multilateral formats.

"The talks were useful. We develop our relationship  on the basis of friendship and mutual understanding. During this period the most intense exchange of delegations took place with Azerbaijan," Lavrov said, recalling a visit in August 2013.

This month there were visits  of the speaker of the State Duma, Deputy Prime Minister, the Azerbaijani-Russian forms in Gabala, and in October Baku International Forum.

The parties also discussed and Caspian theme. "We have agreed to expand cooperation in the framework of international organizations. I am very satisfied with the results of negotiations,"  Lavrov continued.

Referring to the events in Ukraine, Lavrov denounced plans for martial law in the south-east of Ukraine. In his view, it is even more untie the hands of the Ukrainian authorities. "The loss of life  is a signal that you need a cease-fire in the country," said the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry. -16 –