Russian President’s visit to Paris was an unpleasant surprise for Azerbaijan. Statement of Jacques Chirac made during the joint press conference, in fact means that France allows the possibility of an independent status for Nagorno Karabakh, or its reunification with Armenia. The French leader made it understand that the official Paris was not going to recognize the sovereignty of Azerbaijan over Karabakh, predetermining results of negotiations. Chirac emphasized that the approaches of Vladimir Putin to the principles of Karabakh settlement were identical.