AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Oct 21 2004

Norwegian FM: ‘CE not capable of resolving conflict’

The Upper Garabagh conflict settlement depends on a mutual agreement
of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Norwegian Foreign Minister, chairman of
the Council of Europe (CE) Ministerial Committee Ian Peterson, who
recently visited Baku, said during his meeting with Foreign Minister
Elmar Mammadyarov.

The Council of Europe is not capable of solving the conflict but can
act as a mediator, he said.
In a meeting with Speaker Alasgarov the parties focused on the
Garabagh conflict and the Azerbaijani-CE relations.
Alasgarov underlined that Azerbaijan binds hopes with the Council of
Europe with regard to the conflict resolution. The speaker emphasized
that Azerbaijan has joined over 40 conventions and passed 100 laws.

Peterson said in reply that passing decisions does not mean
fulfilling commitments, as their execution is important. As for the
Upper Garabagh conflict, Peterson said he supports the efforts of the
OSCE Minsk Group in this area.