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NATO supports a peaceful resolution to the Karabakh conflict, NATO Liaison Officer for the South Caucasus William Lahue said today at a meeting with reporters held as part of NATO Week in Armenia.

According to him, any country supplying weapons to a conflicting party actually contributes to the conflict’s continuation. NATO is not directly involved in talks or the settlement process, but it assists the organizations dealing with the problem, Lahue said.
In his words, the continuing conflict has a negative impact on the whole region not only in terms of security, but also the region’s future and economic development.

Speaking about the likelihood of deployment of peacekeeping forces in the Karabakh conflict zone, the NATO official considered it an interesting concept, but added that it is not a NATO goal.

William Lahue said that if Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the other parties involved, decide that deployment of peacekeepers could help solve the conflict and avoid casualties, then the issue is likely to be discussed.

Head of Arms Control and International Security Department of Armenian Foreign Ministry said for his part that there is such an issue on the agenda, but a peacekeeping mission can be carried out only after signing an agreement.