NATO rates OSCE MG recent proposals as promisingSeptember 20, 2007 - 19:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "NATO doesn't immediately participate in resolution of conflicts in the South Caucasus. However, we closely watch the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement," said Mr Robert Simmons, NATO's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia.NATO rates OSCE MG's recent proposals as promising, according to him. "We are hopeful that the political leadership of the two states will proceed with the dialogue. Both sides understand that losses are inevitable. We encourage the activities aimed at success," he said. "The sides understand inadmissibility of use of force, since it will have deplorable consequences. If the sides in the Karabakh conflict arrive at a peaceful agreement and request NATO's assistance, the Alliance can be a peacekeeper," Mr Simmons said. He welcomed the OSCE MG's proposals which suppose return of a part of security zone around NKR with a following referendum on Karabakh's status, Zerkalo (Mirror) Baku-based newspaper reports. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |