NEGOTIATIONS AMONG S. CAUCASUS AND EU POSTPONED FOR PROBLEMS OF AZERBAIJAN WITH ONE OF EU COUNTRIES

Noyan Tapan News Agency
Sept 29 2005

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. “Today it’s a
very important moment in relations among the European Union and the
South Caucasian countries: a new instrument of cooperation is created
within the framework of the “New Neighborhood” policy,” Ambassador
Heiki Talvitie, the Special Representative of the European Union to the
South Caucasus stated at the September 29 press-conference in Yerevan.

According to him, Armenia fixed a progress in the issue of preparation
of the action program, and the EU considers that the RA is able to
prepare a good program within the framework of the “New Neighborhood”
policy.

At the same time, Ambassador Talvitie stated that negotiations among
the South Caucasian countries and the EU on action programs scheduled
for early September are postponed for problems Azerbaijan has with
one of the EU countries but the diplomat didn’t specifies with which
exactly. He expressed a hope that during a month this issue will be
regulated and all South Caucasusian countries will start negotiations
with the EU. And if they aren’t the EU will undertake a differentiated
approach towards South Caucasian countries.

Heiki Talvitie specially emphasized that the EU is for a balanced
approach towards all countries included in the “New Neighbors”
program. “We attempt to keep a balance in relations of the South
Caucasian countries as an existance of balance is a good guarantee
for development of relations with the EU and regional cooperation
for what the EU states unequivocally.”

As for conflicts in the region which are obstacle on the way of
regional cooperation, H.Talvitie expressed a hope that dynamics fixed
the negotiation process on peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict
will create good conditions for regional cooperation.

“The priority given to the South Caucasian countries in international
policy is very beneficial for those countries,” the Special
Representative of the European Union stated.

He appreciated the Armenian authorities’ efforts on reformation
of the acting Constitution. “The European society has attempted to
assure Armenia in necessity of reformation of Armenia by now. The
amendments go on in the right direction, and we support them,” Heiki
Talvitie stated.