NATO NOT TO SIDE WITH ANY PARTY

news.am
Nov 6 2009
Armenia

NATO welcomes Armenia-Turkey reconciliation, NATO Special
Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons stated,
Nov. 6, 2009. According to him, the establishment of Armenia-Turkey
relations will be cost-effective for both states.

"Despite the closure of borders, the trade carries on, however
after the border opening the countries will be able to open up new
markets," Simmons outlined. Besides, the establishment of relations
will contribute to the stabilization of situation in such a complex
region as South Caucasus is, with numerous frozen conflicts like
Russia-Georgia and Karabakh. NATO cannot get involved with the
normalization process or side with any party, Simmons noted.

"Hopefully, Armenia-Turkey Protocols will be ratified, as they are
not interrelated with other issues. As for Karabakh dispute, it is
being settled within the framework of OSCE Minsk Group," Simmons said,
adding that Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents should concentrate
on the expeditious resolution of Karabakh conflict.