NATO backs the OSCE MG Co-Chairs’ efforts to resolve the Karabakh conflict and considers the issue should be solved based on territorial integrity and nations’ right to self-determination, Robert Simmons, NATO's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, told a press conference in Yerevan on Wednesday.

Speaking of Azerbaijan’s initiatives on Nagorno-Karabakh within the international agencies, Simmons stressed each of the sides has a right to determine its policy. However, if the Minsk Group considers such initiatives will hamper its mission, NATO fully supports the mediators’ stance, he noted.

Simmons also said NATO adheres to the Minsk Group statement, urging the parties to respect the ceasefire and exercise restraint. “The alliance has already expressed concern over the recent developments,” he underscored.