2007 should be promising in the settlement of Karabakh conflict, Russian top official says

Mr. Mironov first met with the President of the University Kamal Abdullayev and following this, met with the students and made speech.

The chief said that he met with speaker Ogtay Asadov and Prime Minister Artur Rasizade in the first half of the day.

Mr. Mironov noted that they discussed economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest at the meetings.

"Our positions on international problems coincide," he said.

Being satisfied with the attitude towards the Russian language Sergey Mironov said both nations have common history.

"I would like to underline the role of Azerbaijani people and Baku oil in the victory of the Great Patriotic war. Russia supports Azerbaijan's sovereignty and development. The relations between the two countries have elevated to a new stage, and the presidents' dialogue has a positive character. Security in the South Caucasus is of special importance in Azerbaijan-Russia relations. We consider that all problems in the region should be solved peacefully with participation of all parties. We are ready to actively mediate in this issue," he said.

Commenting on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict Sergey Mironov said that 2007 should be a promising year in the solution of the problem.

"At least a new approach to the conflict should be found. Russia, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group is ready to do its best for the parties to reach an agreement," he said. APA