Prodi to visit Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia

IRNA< Iran
Sept 15 2004

Brussels, Sept 15, IRNA — European Commission President Romano Prodi
Thursday begins a four-day tour of the Southern Caucasus that will
take him to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.

“This first-ever visit by a European Commission President highlights
the EU`s interest in the region following the inclusion of all three
countries in the European Neighbourhood Policy,“ said Prodi in
press statements.

Prodi said he will urge his counterparts to push ahead with reforms
and conflict settlement.

The visits follow the EU Council`s decision of 14 June to include the
three Southern Caucasus countries in the European Neighbourhood Policy.

“My visit is intended to send the important message that the EU is
fully committed to supporting the Southern Caucasus countries as
they work to build stable societies based on democratic values and
to affording these countries real prospects of strong ties with the
European Union,” he said.

In Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, Prodi will meet the Presidents,
the Prime Ministers, the Speakers of these countries` Parliaments
and their religious leaders.

In the three countries he will take the opportunity to address
a wider audience of civil society representatives on the European
Neighbourhood Policy and its significance for the Southern Caucasus,
noted a Commission statement.