Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 30 2005

HEIKKI TALVITIE: NEGOTIATIONS ON COOPERATION OF SOUTH CAUCASIAN
COUNTRIES WITH EUROPEAN UNION POSTPONED FOR ONE MONTH BECAUSE OF
AZERBAIJAN

YEREVAN, September 29. /ARKA/. Negotiations on cooperation of the
South Caucasian countries with the European Union within the program
of European Neighbourhood have been postponed for one month because
of Azerbaijan, EU Special Representative to South Caucasus Heikki
Talvitie told journalists. He said that the negotiations were
expected to start in September, 2005; but Azerbaijan has certain
problems with one of EU countries. “We can not start negotiations
until these problems are solved as the EU pursues balanced policy
regarding the three countries of the South Caucasus”, Talvitie said.
He said that Azerbaijan has one month to solve these problems, after
that parallel negotiations can start. If not the EU will apply
differential approach and will start negotiations with those who are
ready. “Surely, Armenia is ready and will be the first in this list”,
he said. Talvitie also pointed out that the EU-South Caucasus
cooperation should start, and development of these relations depends
on progress the certain country registers. “The role of the South
Caucasus in international policy has increased and it is beneficial
for all countries”, he said. Talvitie pointed out that neighbourhood
program will give opportunity for regional cooperation, and this is
an important factor for region’s development. In this context he
pointed to the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict as well. A.A.
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