The NATO is not a party to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and thus the decision on deployment of NATO peacekeeping forces at the contact line depends on the mutual accord of the parties themselves. NATO Secretary General's special representative for Central Asia and South Caucasus Robert Simmons stated in Baku yesterday. IN his words, the issue was not discussed during official meetings in Baku. "We closely follow the peace process within the OSCE Minsk Group and we hope for progress next year," he stated. The NATO is content with cooperation level with Azerbaijan, Simmons remarked during a press conference on the outcomes of his visit to Baku. In his words, the process of working out of the Individual Partnership Action Plan for Azerbaijan is successful. Simmons was content with the talks in Baku. In his words, the NATO is ready to provide technical assistance to Azerbaijan in defense reform. Touching upon the returns of the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, Robert Simmons remarked the NATO leaders welcome Azeri Government steps to eliminate the shortcomings. The NATO representative positively evaluated the increase of the military budget of Azerbaijan. In his opinion, it issues from the increase of the overall budget of the country and cannot affect the NK settlement process in any way.