On September 10, 2003 Foreign Minister Oskanian received the new Russian co-chairman of the Minsk Group, Yuri Merzlyakov. Ambassador Merzlyakov replaces Nikolai Gribkov.

During the meeting two sides discussed the Nagorno Karabakh peace process and the specific issues which must be resolved in order to reach a peaceful and lasting solution. They also discussed the possible timing of the next regional visit by the three co-chairs.