MARK GROSSMAN: “PFP” SHOULD KEEP IN FOCUS THE CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA”
CORRESPONDENT OF AZERTAJ REPORTS FROM WASHINGTON:

The US Deputy Secretary of State on political affairs, Mr. Mark Grossman, speaking at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s session in Orlando, State of Florida, said that the Alliance should start new discussions with the numerous regions and nations on security. At his words, conducting of the NATO’s coming Summit in Turkey sets opportunity for expansion of cooperation with the Near East and other regional countries.

Mr. Mark Grossman said: “The Partnership for Peace Program should keep the Caucasus and Central Asia in focus”. He reminded that the Program promotes in preparation of the candidate countries to the NATO membership. 40% of the Alliance, including seven new members to be admitted to the Alliance in the coming Istanbul Summit, is members of the PfP Program. This Program is also a tool to maintain stability beyond the borders of NATO. Participants of the Program have acceded to the peacemaking efforts conducted in the Balkans, in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Noting “The threat may come from everywhere. If the terror act is planned in Afghanistan, finalized in Hamburg and realized in New York, then, NATO should have reliable forces to respond the threat in every region”, the Deputy Secretary of State called on the PA members to make changes in their Armed Forces to respond these possible threats.

Underlining that the mandate of the international security assistance forces will be extended shortly, Mark Grossman said that NATO should stand ready to make additional steps for peacemaking and security in Afghanistan.

As to Iraq, the Deputy Secretary of State stressed that the NATO allies, by joint efforts, can bring closer the day of establishment of security and democracy in this country. And a lot depends on the events in Iraq.