At the meeting of the EAPC Luxembourg May 1998

Statement by H.E. Mr. Tofik Zulfugarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Chairman, The present Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council meeting gives us a good opportunity to assess the results of the first year of EAPC functioning, as well as to define ways of improving its work. 1997 - the year of the Madrid Summit - has become remarkable both for NATO and its partners. The prospects for a deepened practical cooperation and a new dimension have been opened up in taking and implementing decisions for the sake of achieving a stable Europe. Azerbaijan welcomes PfP enhancement through development of its political as well as military dimensions, while retaining PfP principles of equal opportunities and self-differentiation. We positively view consideration of the regional issues within the framework of the Political Committee that have already been reflected in the EAPC Action Plan. We welcome a growing interest of NATO towards the strategically important South Caucasian region. While working out approaches, one should take into account the character of the threats to the security and factors of instability in the region, stemming, in particular, from substantial differences in the military-political orientations of the states in the region. Enhancement of efficiency of interaction within the NATO framework and common contribution to the cause of security, are of vital importance to us, given that Azerbaijan has been subjected to the aggression by the Republic of Armenia, which has led to the occupation of the twenty percent of its territory. In this regard, I would like to emphasize that Azerbaijan welcomes elaboration of the political-military frameworks for the NATO-led PfP operations. In the time when the Alliance's strategic concept is being updated this issue plays a special role in ensuring success of peacekeeping in the whole Euro-Atlantic area. Under the circumstances of development of the dialogue frameworks between partners and NATO consultations both a bilateral level and in other formats provide for by the EAPC Basic Document continue to remain of major significance. We have already held the first "16+1" dialogue on the issues related to Azerbaijan's security and, along with this format, intend to actively use other opportunities, in particular, NATO dialogue with a group of states having common positions. At present Azerbaijan deems it necessary to intensify the development of bilateral relations between the North Atlantic Alliance and some interested partner states, which should lead to their formalisation through bilateral arrangements. Balance between the mutually complementing multilateral and bilateral instruments of cooperation could become and effective means against any dividing lines or spheres of influence in Europe. Establishment of a Governmental Commission on cooperation with NATO in Azerbaijan, creation of its own peacekeeping unit, as well as the decision by my country to participate in the PfP Planning and Review Process logically stem from a wish to practically contribute to the strengthening of the European security and represent a conscious choice in favour of a more deepened relationship with NATO. Azerbaijan, looking positively on enhanced representation of the partner nations at NATO, has established its diplomatic mission to this organisation. In the meantime, we are interested in the soonest resolution of the issue of opening a NATO Information Office in Baky and on our part are ready to create all necessary conditions for its efficient work. In conclusion, I would like to stress once again that Azerbaijan, proceeding from evaluation of the situation in its region, as well as from the assessment of risks and challenges directed against its interests, deems it necessary to develop special partnership relations with NATO. Thank you.