Russia Ready for Cooperation with NATO over Caucasus

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news briefing on June 30 that NATO?s special focus on Caucasus is ?a reality? and Russia ?is ready for open and transparent cooperation.?

?The new position of Deputy Secretary General [of NATO] has been introduced, which will be in charge of relations with the partner states of the Caucasus and Central Asian regions,? Sergei Lavrov said.

However, he added that the NATO should not ignore what has already been done in these regions to fight terrorism, drug trafficking and other threats to stability through the involvement of other organizations, like OSCE and UN.

?We all are vitally concerned about maintaining stability in this region. And we are ready for cooperation with all the countries and regions in this regard,? the Russian Foreign Minister said.

In a final Communique published on June 28, following sessions of the North Atlantic Council in Istanbul, Turkey, NATO member states agreed on improved liaison arrangements including the assignment of two liaison officers as well as a special representative for the two regions from within the International Staff.