YEREVAN. – Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian believes the provision of the NATO final declaration contradicts approaches of the OSCE Minsk Group.

NATO has repeatedly stated that it is not engaged in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Nalbandian said during a joint press conference with his Austrian counterpart Sebastian Kurz.

Moreover, the Alliance expressed support for approaches and efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group, including five statements taken by the heads of co-chairing countries. Armenia, reminded the Minister, said these statements are consistent with its approaches.

In addition, two of the co-chairing countries are members of NATO. According to the Minister, in spite of all this, the document adopted during the summit has provisions relating to conflicts in Moldova and the South Caucasus that contain language reflecting a selective approach to international law.

“This is not consistent with the approach, ideas and proposals by co-chairs. The provision does not comply with the decisions and declarations adopted over recent years in the framework of the OSCE. This damages the negotiation process, as well as establishment of security and stability in the region,” Nalbandian said.

At the same time, such an approach, the Minister said, is bad for Azerbaijan itself.

“In the sense that Azerbaijan even is more distanced from reality, and its militant rhetoric is opposed to approaches of the international community,” Nalbandian said, adding that a selective approach to international law is contrary to the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.

For his part, Sebastian Kurz said Austria is not a member of the Alliance, and he will not comment on this part of question.

“But I want to say that when we speak of armed conflict, we are all looking forward to the possibility of finding a peaceful solution. Vienna is ready to assist those who want to realize the political dialogue. In November there was a meeting in Vienna [of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan - ed]. I hope it was useful. I also hope that the dialogue will win, and there will be no conflicts any longer,” he emphasized.

The final declaration adopted in Wales said the NATO “Allies also remain committed in their support to the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova”. The document also said NATO will continue to support efforts towards a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the south Caucasus, as well as in the Republic of Moldova.