A NEW STAGE BEGINS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATO

-Last month, Chicago hosted a NATO summit. What changes have occurred and will occur in the activities of the alliance after the summit? What could be the expectations of partners?

- The NATO summit in Chicago was very important. The question of the fight against terrorism and cyber-crimes remains relevant. The summit also showed that, along with military decisions, political decisions are also important for the organization. It was decided that in 2014, the international coalition forces would leave Afghanistan. In addition, NATO expressed concern about the conflict situations in the world. The final declaration signed by the heads of state recognized the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Georgia and other CIS countries. Overall, the event must show that a new stage is beginning in the development of NATO.

- The summit declaration also supported Georgia's accession to NATO and expressed preference for cooperation with Tbilisi. How do things stand with Azerbaijan?

- NATO attaches great importance to cooperation with all partners, including with Azerbaijan, with which relations are developing. We can see it within the framework of the ISAF programme. Azerbaijan provides great support for the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. The Azerbaijani government has allocated 1 million euros for training Afghan officers and officials. And how the future partnership with NATO can be deepened depends on the country's government. As you know, Georgia has requested membership of NATO, while Azerbaijan has not done so.

- How interesting is the South Caucasus region to NATO as a whole?

- It is a very important region, and NATO's interest in it is growing day by day. NATO wants to restore peace and stability in the region and is closely monitoring the developments taking place here.

- When US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was visiting the South Caucasus, Armenia violated the cease-fire and provoked an armed incident on the border with Azerbaijan. There are casualties on both sides. You've probably heard about what happened?

- Yes, I heard about this and I am very sorry about what happened. We do not want people to die. I want to say that though NATO is not a party to the negotiations, it supports the mediatory efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and is in favour of a peaceful settlement of the conflict. This, as you know, is reflected in the final declaration of the NATO summit in Chicago.

- Do you agree with the view that decisions in NATO are taken under the influence of the US?

- In general, decisions in NATO are taken collectively. The consent of each of the 28 member states is important. By the way, sometimes NATO member countries take operational decisions individually rather than within the alliance.