NATO Secretary General: The most pressing regional challenge remains finding a solution to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

 Azerbaijan has a complicated neighborhood. And the most pressing regional challenge remains finding a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said speaking at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA), NATO official website reports.

Two things are clear, Rasmussen said. "First, that there is no military solution. And second, the only way forward is through dialogue, compromise, and cooperation," he stressed.

Rasmussen noted that he is deeply concerned by the Azerbaijani decision to pardon Ramil Safarov, as this damages trust and does not contribute to the peace process.

"There must be no return to conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.  Tensions in this region must be reduced, and concrete steps must be
taken to promote regional cooperation and reconciliation," he said.