"The Ukrainian diplomacy views GUAM as a restraint of Russian interest in the Caucasus and Black Sea countries as well as in Central Asia," a Ukrainian political scientist said.

The talks - which are being mediated by the UN, the EU and the OSCE - are aimed at encouraging stability and security in the Caucasus.

The 16th OSCE Ministerial Council will take place on 4 and 5 December in Helsinki.

Serzh Sargsyan emphasized that Armenia will be consistent in its activities meant for CSTO development.

The next meeting of the CIS Defense Ministers is due in Yerevan in May-June 2009.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier: Turkey's "integration with the EU" is important for the integration of the Turkish community in Germany.

Sabah Umran: my country is ready to cooperate with Turkey to that end.

"Hundreds of authors and journalists tried and condemned under the article 301 of the Turkish penal code," the Nobel Prize winner said.