Minister says Russian-US talks on radar station must meet Azeri
interests

Lider TV, Baku
8 Jun 07

[Presenter] The Baku government has reacted to the issue [of the joint
use of the Qabala radar station by Russia and the USA proposed by
Putin]. All talks to be conducted from now on regarding the joint use
of the Qabala radar station by the USA and Russia should meet
Azerbaijan’s national interests, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar
Mammadyarov has said. The minister added that these steps were not
directed against a third state.

[Mammadyarov speaking in a news conference] We are ready for bilateral
or trilateral talks on the use of the Qabala radar station. Azerbaijan
is ready to consider the issues like whether there will be a new
contract, how it will be and the form of cooperation there. I do not
believe that this issue will cause any difficulty with any country.
Because Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and position have been first of all
built on its national interests. Therefore, it is early to predict
which results we will achieve. But if you [means Russia and the USA] go
to talks, first of all the discussions should be based on Azerbaijan’s
national interests.