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Lavrov on NK, Caspian & Iraq settlement

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  • Lavrov on NK, Caspian & Iraq settlement

    RIA Novosti, Russia
    Aug 18 2004

    LAVROV ON NAGORNY KARABAKH, CASPIAN AND IRAQ SETTLEMENT


    MOSCOW, August 18 (RIA Novosti) - The settlement of the Nagorny
    Karabakh issue is possible only through agreements between Armenia
    and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told
    journalists after talks with Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov.


    "Russia is interested in the resolution of the Nagorny Karabakh
    problem. The conflict can be settled only on the basis of the sides'
    agreements," Mr. Lavrov said.

    He noted that Russia is ready to contribute to the negotiating
    process both as "a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and as a friend
    and partner."

    "We are satisfied with the fact that the negotiating process was
    resumed early last year," Mr. Lavrov said.

    "We hope that the working group on the Caspian will work out
    acceptable decisions on the Caspian status at its regular meeting, to
    take place in Moscow," the minister told journalists.

    He noted that these decisions would be in the field of international
    law.

    In his turn, Mr. Mamedyarov stressed that "the diplomatic resource
    must be intensified." He also expressed confidence that "points of
    contact will be found to reach a final decision in determining the
    Caspian status."

    Russo-Azeri relations have been developing actively, Sergei Lavrov
    said after talks with Elmar Mamedyarov.

    "We discussed a wide range of bilateral relations, regional and
    Caspian cooperation, the Nagorny Karabakh settlement and
    international cooperation. We agreed on a number of issues called
    upon to remove the existing problems," he said.

    On his part, Mr. Mamedyarov said that Azerbaijan regards relations
    with Russia as strategic partnership.

    Russia speaks for involvement of all forces in Iraq, including the
    opposition, in the creation of national structural bodies, he said
    after the talks with his Azeri counterpart.

    "Developments in Iraq cause concern. In the framework of UN
    resolution 1546, the key issue is creation of national structural
    bodies on the basis of involvementof all political forces, including
    oppositional. This idea underlies our approach to settlement," he
    said.

    "Convocation of all Iraqi forces may serve as a core for boosting the
    process of overcoming the crisis with involvement of the UN Security
    Council," the minister said.

    "Activation of this mechanism could become an important impetus for
    all countries to help Iraqis," Mr. Lavrov said.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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