Russia to continue Caspian status discussion in Tehran

The Caspian status issue was last discussed in Moscow in December 2000 during a visit by the Iranian president's Caspian status negotiator Ali Ahani. Despite "certain progress" observed by Russian deputy foreign minister Viktor Kaliuzhny, there has been no breakthrough yet. Iran keeps insisting on an equal division of the Caspian among littoral states, something opposed to by other littoral nations.

According to Russian sources, Mr. Kaliuzhny will pay a reciprocal visit to Tehran on January 13 to continue the negotiations. It is not ruled out that Mr. Kaliuzhny will make a stop-over in Baku, in light of discerning closeness in the positions of Azerbaijan and Russia on the issue. The proximity of views is expected to be further strengthened during Russian President Putin's visit to Azerbaijan on January 9-10.*