AZG Armenian Daily #196, 14/10/2006
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NATO IS FOR PRESENT FORMAT OF NAGORNO KARABAKH REGULATION
Robert Simons Visits Armenia
NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative to the Caucasus and
Central Asia, Robert Simons, stated at a joint press conference with
Vartan Oskanian on Oct. 12 that progress was achieved in all
directions of Armenia’s Individual Action Plan that aims at boosting
cooperation with NATO. He stated that he is glad to support the
Armenian Government, particularly the sphere of defense. Oskanian and
Simons discussed regional issues, spoke about the current
Russian-Georgian relations, and Oskanian informed about the present
stage of Nagorno Karabakh regulation.
Simons stated that NATO supports the Minsk Group process in the
Karabakh issue adding that he hopes the sides will come to
terms. "NATO is not part of the negotiation process. We are grateful
that the two sides keeps us informed but assessment should come from
the Minsk Group co-chairs. That’s the Minsk Group’s work, not the
NATO’s," said Simons.
Vartan Oskanian, on his part, said that a council affiliated to RA
President was set up to systematize works with the NATO, EU and the
CE. The need for such a council has arisen as documents are huge and
require individual approach. If there is a project within NATO that
Armenia does not opt in, it is not because NATO has left Armenia out
but because neither side had a desire to participate. Mr. Simons added
that NATO, EU and CE have a unique direction of activity and that they
have division of labor and mutual assistance.
As to Georgia’s membership to NATO, Mr. Simons said that Georgia is
now at the first stage and it’s untimely to speak of its membership.
Asked what’s his opinion about Armenia’s goal to join the European
Union, Mr. Simons said: "Contrary to Georgia, neither Armenia nor
Azerbaijan have taken a decision of joining the NATO, and we respect
this stance. We are satisfied with the steps that are being taken
within the framework of the Individual Action Plan."
By Tamar Minasian