Baku Today
Aug 19 2004

`Nagorno Karabakh Conflict Will Be Settled If The Parties Come To
Terms’ – Russian FM

Baku Today 19/08/2004 16:26

The Nagorno Karabakh conflict was in the focus of Foreign Minister
Elmar Mammadyarov’s meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei
Lavrov in Moscow on Wednesday.

Lavrov told a news conference following the meeting that `Russia is
interested in a peace settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,
but the problem will be resolved only if the parties come to terms’.

The Russian minister said his country approaches the talks both as a
co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and as a friend and supporter of
Azerbaijan. He also gave a high assessment to the numerous meetings
held by the two conflicting sides.

Lavrov also pointed out the developing relations between Russia and
Azerbaijan.

Mammadyarov, in turn, said Baku considers Russia a strategic ally and
pointed out that both countries are interested in the economic and
political stability in Azerbaijan.

Also discussed were issues related to fighting terrorism, weapons of
mass destruction and the Caspian legal status.
Mammadyarov arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on the invitation of his
Russian counterpart.
From: Baghdasarian