January 19, 2006 - 18:20 AMT
Wald: US Activates Efforts to Solve Karabakh Issue
Armenia "does not refuse from aggressive claims, pursuing destructive policy," Azeri Defense MInister Safar Abiyev stated at a meeting with US European Command Deputy Commander General Charles F. Wald. The Azeri Minister remarked that military cooperation between Azerbaijan and the US continues both within a bilateral format and within the NATO Partnership for Peace Program. The parties exchanged views on the military and political situation in the region of South Caucasus, the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and other issues. Abiyev underscored that "the unsettled state of the conflict is a major cause of incomplete restoration of peace and stability in the region." "Azerbaijan is for diplomatic settlement of the conflict. Armenia does not refuse from aggressive claims, pursuing destructive policy. It places illegal arms and ammunition on occupied Azeri territories. Armenia should observe international law norms and withdraw from occupied lands without preconditions. The international community should impel Armenia make that move. Otherwise, it can result in resumption of hostilities,» the Azeri Defense Minister assured. In his turn Wald remarked that diplomatic way to solve the Karabakh conflict will do good to Yerevan and Baku. The US will activate efforts to settle the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, stated US European Command Deputy Commander, reported Trend agency.