NATO MAY JOIN KARABAKH SETTLEMENT AT FURTHER STAGES, ALLIANCE SEC. GEN. STATED

When commenting on the issue of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement at a meeting with students of Baku State University, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said he hoped for the problem to be solved via peaceful means. “The international community and the OSCE Minsk Group should be the mediators in the issue,” he said, noting at that that “Azerbaijan abiding by peaceful settlement of the conflict promotes strengthening regional security and stability.” Answering the question whether the NATO can engage in the settlement of Karabakh the confrontation, Scheffer noted all opportunities for solution of the conflict are available within the OSCE Minsk Group format. In his words, the NATO role thereupon may lie in “supporting the dialogue between the parties.” At the same time Scheffer did not rule out the NATO joining the solution of settlement questions at further stages – after the parties reach certain agreements.