ROBERT KOCHARIAN: EUROPE MIGHT HAVE BEEN MORE PERSISTENT IN
SETTLEMENT OF CONFLICTS IN SOUTH CAUCASUS

Noyan Tapan
Nov 23 2004

YEREVAN, 23.11.04. One of the main obstacles on the way of solution of
Karabakh conflict is the absence of regional cooperation. RA President
Robert Kocharian declared this during the November 19 Berlin European
Forum. The President mentioned that “Armenia believes in solution of
conflicts by means of regional cooperation and Azerbaijan abstains
from possible cooperation before the solution of the conflict.”

According to R. Kocharian, one of the obstacles on the way to
cooperation between EU and South Caucasian countries is the blockade
of Armenia by Turkey. “We consider abnormal the situation when the
country starting negotiations on joining EU carries out blockade of
a country-participant of the “European Neighbourhood” policy. I.e.
today there is a chance to solve the problem and it is in the hands
of EU,” the President emphasized.

Mentioning that the history of formation of EU once more demonstrated
the advantage of regional cooperation, R.Kocharian expressed an
opinion that “this is not only a way to prosperity but also an
implement of stability.” “Taking into consideration its experience,
Europe might have been more persistent in the issues of regulation of
conflicts in the South Caucasus through inducement for cooperation.
We are sure that this is a more effective way to peace.”

In conclusion Robert Kocharian mentioned: “In essence, EU began
forming owing to the pragmatism of its founders. Everything began
from not parliamentary assemblies and minister councils but from
realization of community of interests and compatibility of system of
values. We would like to see something of the kind in the policy of
EU with its country-neighbours.”