YEREVAN, APRIL 3, NOYAN TAPAN. "Taking into account the objective situation formed, reaching an agreement on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict will be of key importance for solution of Armenia's transport problems, and here everything possible is being done to achieve such a settlement." The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated this at the April 3 joint press conference of the ministers of foreign affairs of Armenia and Russia. In his words, Russia is actively trying to achieve this settlement as quickly as possible. "It is in our interests to ensure stability in this region which is vital for many countries, including for Russia. We are in favor of this region's being a region of cooperation and joint prosperity," S. Lavrov said. He assured that Russia jointly with Armenia is taking all possible steps in order to "facilitate to the maximum the fulfilment of Armenia's transit and transport needs". According to him, both state and private companies of Armenia and Russia are taking part in this. As a concrete measure the minister pointed out the test launching of the Poti-Kavkaz railway ferry, which is scheduled for April 5. "We proceed from the fact that this ferry will work on a regular basis. Our plans also include the motor ferry link Novorossiysk-Poti. Besides, we continue working on the issue of resumimg the communication by the Abkhazian section of Sochi-Tbilisi railway," S. Lavrov noted.

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