Russia Ready To Continue Assistance To Karabakh Settlement – New Amb

RUSSIA READY TO CONTINUE ASSISTANCE TO KARABAKH SETTLEMENT – NEW AMBASSADOR

Interfax
April 16 2009
Russia

Russia wants the soonest possible settlement of the Karabakh conflict,
new Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Vladimir Dorokhin told his first
press conference in Baku on Thursday.

"Russia wants the soonest peaceful and fair settlement of the Karabakh
conflict in line with international law and Caucasian stability
efforts," he said.

Russia will support any settlement formula, which will be acceptable
for Azerbaijan and Armenia, Dorokhin said. "Together with its partners
[the United States and France], Russia mediates the settlement
negotiations. It is ready to carry on this mission, as well as to
become the settlement guarantor by consent of the sides," he said.

"Russia views Azerbaijan as a strategic partner. This relationship is
based on amity, cooperation and mutual understanding," Dorokhin said.

Russia "unconditionally recognizes the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan and respects the independent Azeri foreign
policy that promotes regional stability and security," he said.