EU ONLY MAKES PROPOSALS

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
13 May 05

This is the opinion of the special representative of the EU in the
South Caucasus, Ambassador Heikki Talvitie. He emphasized the
importance of continuing dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, for
the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group cannot work without this
dialogue. One of the most important political events last week was the
visit of the special representative of the EU in the South Caucasus,
Ambassador Heikki Talvitie to Armenia. During his visit the special
representative met with the president of Armenia, the speaker of the
National Assembly and the minister of foreign affairs. During the
talks three main issues were discussed: EU – Armenia relationships,
resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Turkish – Armenian
relationships. The minister of foreign affairs of Armenia informed
that in the context of the resolution of the Karabakh conflict
H. Talvitie and Vardan Oskanian discussed the present stage and the
prospect of resolution of the conflict. Pointing out the necessity of
resuming talks, they expressed anxiety about the recent violations of
the ceasefire. After the meeting with the RA authorities V. Oskanian
and H. Talvitie met with the journalists in the press hall of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In reference to the resolution of the NK
issue Ambassador Talvitie stated thatthe conflict sides should
themselves aid to the settlement of the problem. According to him, the
co-chairs may make their contribution to the settlement of the
conflict by proposing resolutions on the settlement of the conflict
and notmore because they are entitled to make proposals only, whereas
it is the conflict parties that are to find the solution to the
problem. And the sooner, the better because, according to H. Talvitie,
the unsettled conflict hinders promotion of cooperation in the region
of the South Caucasus, whereas the European Union is absolutely
interested in development of cooperation in the South Caucasus. As to
the present stage of settlement of the problem of Nagorno Karabakh, V.
Oskanian said the ministerial level talks in the framework of the
Minsk Group have come to a point when the meeting of presidents is
required for they are entitles to solve the issues discussed
currently. Touching upon the solution based on compromise, the foreign
minister of Armenia said compromises need to be discussed by the
conflict parties during the talks. As to who will compromise over
what, the foreign minister of Armenia said none of those who speak out
for compromise can answer this question. `Naturally, each of the
parties keeps in their mind the borderline which they will not
cross. However, they do not let it be known, as this may hinder the
talks,’ said the minister. In answer to the question why he did not
take part in the meeting in Frankfurt where the foreign minister of
Azerbaijan met with the Minsk Group co-chairs, V. Oskanian said his
participation had not been planned. According to him, the co-chairs
had been aware that the date of the meeting in Frankfurt was not
convenientfor him. At the same time, the minister mentioned that the
co-chairs were to meet with the ministers separately, there was no
need to appoint the meetings in the same place and at the same
time. V. Oskanian also mentioned that there is no more need for
ministerial level meetings, because the next step must be taken by the
presidents. By the way, according to the foreign minister of Armenia,
his meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs is appointed in Warsaw
in the framework of the EU summit, one or two days before the possible
meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

CHRISTINE MNATSAKANIAN.
13-05-2005