RUSSIAN FEDERATION COUNCIL CHIEF: 2007 SHOULD BE PROMISING IN THE SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
March 28 2007

Sergey Mironov, chief of the Russia’s Federation Council had a meeting
in Baku Slavic University, APA reports. Mr. Mironov first met with
the President of the University Kamal Abdulla and following this,
met with the students and made speech.

The chief said that he met with speaker Ogtay Asadov and Prime
Minister Artur Rasizade in the first half of the day. Mr. Mironov
noted that they discussed economic cooperation and other issues of
mutual interest at the meetings.

"Our positions on international problems coincide," he said.

Being satisfied with the attitude towards the Russian language Sergey
Mironov said both nations have common history.

"I would like to underline the role of Azerbaijani people and Baku
oil in the victory of the Great Patriotic war. Russia supports
Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and development. The relations between
the two countries have elevated to a new stage, and the presidents’
dialogue has a positive character. Security in the South Caucasus is
of special importance in Azerbaijan-Russia relations. We consider
that all problems in the region should be solved peacefully with
participation of all parties. We are ready to actively mediate in
this issue," he said.

Commenting on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Sergey Mironov said that
2007 should be a promising year in the solution of the problem.

"At least a new approach to the conflict should be found. Russia,
as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group is ready to do its best for
the parties to reach an agreement," he said.