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damage
and of over a million IDPs, we make eff orts to sett le the confl ict peace-
fully. It is more than four years that we achieved ceasefi re. I further note the
importance of sett ling the Armenian-Azerbaij ani confl ict in accordance with
the three principles adopted in the Lisbon Summit of OSCE. You are aware of
the activity of the Minsk Group of OSCE, and of the proposals made by the co-
chairs-Russia, the U.S., and France. I hope that it will be possible to resolve the
confl ict peacefully.
Javier Solana: Mr.
President, I carefully watched the successfully organized
international conference in Baku on the restoration of historical Silk Road that
was on the focal point of the world.
This conference was of utmost signifi cance
not only regionally, but also in-
ternationally, since it served the realization of invaluable initiative. Thus, I
extend my appreciation to Mr. President Heydar Aliyev for initiating and for
having the conference organized in Baku. Participation of high ranking dele-
gates from more than 30 countries and international organizations in this pres-
tigious conference proves that countries are willing to advance towards the
future by holding close economic cooperation. It is not just an economic issue,
but also an intention of achieving a security. I want to emphasize that coopera-
tion is being established between Asia and Europe thanks to the wise and pre-
scient policy of the President Heydar Aliyev. Implementation of the program
will boost Azerbaij an’s prestige in the world community
and help integrate its
economy into the world economy.
Heydar Aliyev: Mr. Solana, I thank you for your kind words and for your
high appreciation to international conference of Baku. With the restoration of
historical Silk Way we establish a milestone of history at the crossroad of the
third millennium. For the fi rst time, delegates from 32 countries, including 9
heads of states, delegates of 13 international organizaions came together in
Baku. All shared the same views on this project. It is worth mentioning that cru-
cial economic issues have been discussed in a comprehensive way, and further-
more, important documents have been adopted
aiming at maintaining peace
and security in the areas that the Silk Road cross. Azerbaij an takes key actions
in this regard. I think that the cooperation between the countries should serve
to ensure security of peoples of the world, including the people of Azerbaij an.
Javier Solana: Mr. Heydar Aliyev, I share your views, and I am pleased that
I had an effi
cient talk with you today. I look forward to meeting you again.
Heydar Aliyev: I extend my gratitude to you, Mr. Secretary - General, and
I am sure that your visit and the negotiations conducted will be benefi cial for
the two involved parties.
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Heydar Aliyev: Distinguished representatives of mass media !
You
took part in our negotiations, and therefore, there was no reason to hold
additional meeting. But we had to meet you as it was planned in advance.
I would add that I had a warm talk with the Secretary - General of NATO,
Javier Solana. We appreciated our cooperation within “Partnership for Peace”
program between Azerbaij an and NATO. We emphasized that we are capable
of proceeding this cooperation.
Today’s meeting is of great importance. Prior to this meeting, Mr. Javier So-
lana met the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense of Azerbaij an and
had eff ective talks. I think we strengthen our relations and cooperation. The
Azerbaij ani government appreciates this cooperation and att aches special at-
tention to it. Today’s meeting and talks provide a good stimulus to boosting
this cooperation.
Mr. Secretary - General, the fl oor is yours.
Javier Solana: Mr. President, many thanks.
Apparently, I have no more additions to your words. Simply, I am glad to
be here and to meet not only the President, but also the Prime Minister and
Minister of Defense. I am pleased to evaluate what has been done so far within
“Partnership for Peace” program and Euroatlantic Cooperation Council. In re-
ality, much work has been done. However, I want to emphasize two points. I
extend my gratitude to you, to your government and to your nation for par-
ticipation of the Azerbaij ani armed forces in trainings. For instance, important
trainings have been organized in Macedonia, and Azerbaij an att ended them.
Other trainings have been organized in the Central Asia
with the broad partici-
pation of partner states. Azerbaij an took part in them as well.
Indeed, we are working for ensuring peace and security in the region. I fur-
ther note that we shall continue on cooperation in the years to come. I express
my gratitute to Mr. President and to your government for the hospitability.
Many thanks.
Question: Mr. Secretary - General, today it was mentioned that Serbia had already
Joint press conference of the Azerbaij ani President
Heydar Aliyev with Secretary - General of NATO
Javier Solana, for Local and Foreign Mass Media af-
ter the Negotiations with the Delegation of NATO
Presidential Palace, September 30, 1998
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withdrawn part of its armed forces, but this is not suffi
cient. Most people cast doubt
that Serbia will be able to achieve a practical outcome in this regard. Does NATO have
enough will and opportunity to fully support its position?
Javier Solana: It should be noted that we shall charge President Milosevic
not for his words, but for his deeds. We have heard much from him, but un-
fortunately he does not live up to his promises. It is worth noting that two
important decisions on Kosovo have been made lately. The fi rst is a resolution
adopted by the Security Council of the U.N. It clearly sets what we expect from
the president Milosevic. This decision was adopted unanimously. Only China
abstained, while others were in favor of this decision. The second is the deci-
sion adopted by the NATO Council. It appeals to our commanders to fi nd out
which allied country will provide technical support if there is a need for that.
However, no action will be taken without the
mandate of the Security Coun-
cil.
Question: Mr. Solana, while negotiating in Baku, you mentioned that NATO is
interested in strengthening the relations with Azerbaij an. We would like to know: do
you mean to expand relations within “Partnership for Peace” program in the frames of
Euroatlantic Cooperation Council, or a new form of cooperation?
Javier Solana: You are right about the expansion of cooperation within “Part-
nership for Peace” program and Euroatlantic Cooperation Council. They pro-
vide great stimulus. Many countries participate in these programs and there
is a room to improve relations with NATO. We are engaged in these programs
and intend to strengthen the relations.
Question: Excuse me, is it possible to sign a Transcaucasian charter like the Baltian
charter?
Javier Solana: No, there is no a Baltian charter in NATO.
Correspondent: There is one present between Ukraine and Russia.
Javier Solana: No, it has nothing to do with NATO.
Question: Mr. Solana, when we, the Azerbaij ani journalists, were in Brussels at
your invitation, you mentioned the Mountaious Garabagh confl ict and raid that the
OSCE was entirely responsible for it. Now we ask you in Azerbaij an: if Armenia does
not sign the Great Peace Agreement, and Azerbaij an appeals to NATO, what will be
the reaction of your alliance?
Javier Solana: I repeat it again. Framework conception has been made to
deal with this problem. All of them were adopted by the OSCE in 1996. Thus,
the way-out of the confl ict goes through this framework.
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