A. AZIMOV: INDIVIDUAL APPROACH TO SOUTH CAUCASIAN STATES NOT TO SERVE EU INTERESTS

Pan Armenian
12.10.2005 23:39 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ When commenting on the EU-South Caucasus relations
Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov stated that
“theoretically the EU can demonstrate individual approach towards
the South Caucasian states, however it will not serve the interests
of the organization in the region, since the role, location, weight
and possibilities of Azerbaijan should be taken into account.” In
his words, the Azerbaijan-EU relations base first of all upon the
Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation.

Besides, Azimov noted, Azerbaijan is included in the EU New
Neighborhood Program and is an essential part of it. “Presently
EU members express various opinions on some issues, which can
result in postponement of the negotiations. In my opinion, these are
temporary political difficulties and the EU like Azerbaijan should be
interested in overcoming them within the shortest terms. This political
misunderstanding will be cleared up in the near future, for Azerbaijan
has always cooperated and will continue cooperation with the European
Union basing on the norm of jus gentium”, Araz Azimov stated. When
touching upon the relations between Baku and the Northern Cyprus,
the Azeri diplomat reminded that Azerbaijan has many times stated
that these relations are bound with “the humanitarian approach of
Azerbaijan towards the Cypriot problem. “A humanitarian element is
present here, however one should keep in mind that these ties are
exercised at an informal level and no conclusions should be made,”
Azimov resumed, Mediamax reports.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress