Peter Semneby: “European Union is ready to send peacekeepers to the conflict zone”

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
March 17 2006

[ 17 Mar. 2006 20:55 ]

The European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus
Peter Semneby held a news conference on the conclusions of his visit
to Azerbaijan (APA).

Mr.Semneby said that during his visit, he had talks with Azerbaijan’s
President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Arthur Rasizade, head of
President’s Executive Office Ramiz Mehdiyev, deputy Foreign Minister
Araz Azimov as well as opposition leaders Ali Karimli, Isa Gambar,
Sardar Jalaloglu, Lala Shovkhat and Eldar Namazov.

Saying that he will fulfil the mission of his ancestor Heike Talvitie,
Mr.Semneby said he will focus on the settlement of frozen conflicts
in the region. According to the diplomat, the EU can support settling
conflict though observation, sending peacekeepers and renovation works.

“Talvitie’s office was in Finland but mine is in Brussels-near the
European Union organizations. This will ensure to attach more attention
to the South Caucasus,” he said.

Stressing that the EU’s interest in the South Caucasus is growing,
Semneby explained this interest by two Black Sea states recently
becoming members of the European Union.

“The European Union is negotiating with Turkey, Turkey borders on
the three Southern Caucasus countries”.

Peter Semneby said that there are opportunities for the settlement
of Nagorno Garabagh conflict in the current year.

“The main point is achievement of the agreement, changes are necessary
in the sides’ position. Common interests can be found in the settlement
of all conflicts”.

He said that the European Union is ready to station its peacekeeping
forces in the region. Peter Semneby said that The European
Union-Azerbaijan talks held in Brussels on March 7 were not fruitless.

“Talks held in Brussels were not unsuccessful, they are ordinary
talks. It was known in advance that the third round of the talks will
be held in order to come to any agreement”.

Diplomat added that the cooperation plan has not been agreed on with
all of the three Southern Caucasus countries. /APA/

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress