PETER SEMNEBY: “I ASSUMED MY NEW OFFICE AS I BELIEVED SETTLEMENT OF NK CONFLICT”

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
March 16 2006

“I will regularly get in touch with the OSCE Mink Group co-chairs to
be sure that initiatives for the settlement of the Nagorno Garabagh
conflict are coordinated in a right way,” European Union special
representative for the South Caucasus, Peter Semneby reported. (APA).

He thinks there is much likelihood that the conflict will be settled
in 2006.

“Taking into account the high hopes that failed in the latest meeting
between Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents, it is difficult to say
how realistic these hopes were,” Mr. Semneby said.

“I have to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia and exchange of views with
the co-chairs to get full idea of the situation. However, I must
admit that if I had not believed the settlement of the conflict I
would not have agreed to my appointment to this position,” the EU
representative added.

According to him, the basic priority of his activities will be
promoting settlement of frozen conflicts in the region. He said that
there are expectations that the EU will play an important role after
attaining agreements over settlement of conflicts.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress