EU WARNS AZERBAIJAN MAY ‘FALL BEHIND’

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Oct 13 – 19, 2005

A high-ranking European Union official has warned Azerbaijan may
‘fall behind’ in joining the EU New Neighborhood Policy due to its
forging ties with the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
(TRNC), Armenia media reported.

Cyprus is an ethnically-divided island and only the southern Greek part
is internationally recognized. The European Commissioner for Foreign
Affairs Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the international community
recognizes the Cyprus republic, which is an EU member state. This
country is blocking the progress achieved by Baku within the mentioned
program due to the opening of direct flights with TRNC, she said.

“I have informed Azeris that if they do not change their decision,
we will continue collaborating only with Georgia and Armenia.

Nonetheless, we hope Azerbaijan will find a solution for the problem”,
said Ferrero-Waldner. Cypriot Turks hope the newly-established ties
with Azerbaijan will help to end three decades of international
isolation. The Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Taghizada
said Baku’s policy is aimed at facilitating efforts to prevent
crisis both in the Turkish and Greek communities of Cyprus. “The
initiative to launch flights is of commercial nature and has no
bearing on the government’s foreign policy.” Former state adviser,
political analyst Vafa Guluzada said Azerbaijan is pursuing a proper
policy with regard to Turkish Cyprus. “The European Union has blocked
access to TRNC, as it does not want other states to cooperate with
this country. Official Baku is on the right path. The EU will not be
able to influence Azerbaijan on the issue in any way.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress