Caspian problem will be solved sooner or later

Leaders of the Caspian countries do not doubt that the Caspian problem will be solved in the interests of their peoples, said Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian head of state said that presidents of five countries -- Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenia, Azerbaijan and Iran -- have agreed to continue consultations on the Caspian. Views will be exchanged on fisheries, ecology, and exploitation of water surface and mineral resources. On Wednesday, contrary to expectations, the five presidents did not sign a joint declaration on the results of the Ashkhabad summit. According to Putin, the five leaders expressed their determination to finally define the status of the Caspian in the future. The Russian president pointed out that for the first time in history the heads of the Caspian states had discussed in such detail the Caspian issue. Today's meeting, held as part of the summit, was described by Putin as "open and constructive". The Russian president also said that the five leaders had agreed to hold such meetings on a regular basis.