CHIRAC: THE LAST STEP SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ACHIEVE PEACE IN NK PROBLEM

Azeri Press Agency
Sept 30 2006

As a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, France has been closely
participating in the settlement of the Nagorno Garabagh conflict for
over ten years. I want to believe that it is high time to achieve
peace accord," French President Jacques Chirac stated in Armenia,
APA reports.

"The last step should be taken to achieve peace. This will be a hard
decision but raise confidence to the future of humanity. Yerevan and
Baku can take this step and should do that. This step will create
a better ground for peace and tranquility. I wish that to all the
Caucasian peoples," French President said.

Commenting on the reports that OSCE Minsk Group will be removed
from mediation in the settlement of the conflict, Chirac said he
does not support this adding he does not think involvement of other
international organizations, including UN will give positive results.

He also said the co-chairs have close familiarization of the Garabagh
problem and have demonstrated more activity recently.

"I think the involvement of institutions that are not familiar with
the Garabagh issue will not be effective and will make the situation
more difficult."

Touching on recent proposals offered by the co-chairs, Chirac said
these proposals are very serious. "I hope Yerevan and Baku will accept
these proposals."