Caucasus development without stability out of question

Turkish foreign minister Ismayil Cem has told the Istanbul conference "Seeking stability in the Caucasus" that it is impossible to achieve economic prosperity of the Caucasus without stability and security.

Underscoring the role of the US and Europe in building security and stability in the Caucasus, he described Turkey as one of the leading countries, together with Russia and Iran, in resolving the problems of the Caucasus, AssA-Irada's Istanbul correspondent Dursun Ozden reports.

The minister pointed out the urgency of problems between Azerbaijan and Armenia and underscored the progress achieved in their bilateral relations. He added that if the three countries put collective effort, they could narrow their differences and resolve outstanding problems. Mr. Cem also suggested to conduct a summit of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey on Upper Garabagh conflict within the OSCE Minsk Group. He then commended Armenian President Kocharian's proposal that the projected Caucasus Stability Pact be joined by Russia, Iran, CE and US.

The Armenian delegation attending the conference was not particularly enthusiastic over the summit suggestion.*