EU Interest in Resolving Conflicts in South Caucasus Increased

Baku Today, Azerbaijan
March 18 2006

18/03/2006 19:56

The European Union (EU) appointed a new special representative for
the South Caucasus and made changes to the mandate for this position,
Peter Semnebi, the EU’s new special representative for South Caucasus
told journalists in Baku.

Changes in the mandate provide for more attention to be paid to the
settlement of the frozen conflicts. Regarding Karabakh, the EU is
going to support mechanisms of settlement if a political resolution is
obtained. According to Semnebi, the EU can send observers to conduct
peacekeeping operations, and provide assistance for the rehabilitation
of territories which suffered as a result of the war.

Semnebi said the EU could provide peacekeeping operations both
independently and in coalition with other international structures.

Contrary to the previous special representative Heyke Talvitiye,
whose office was in Finland, Semnebi is working in Brussels. This
will allow him to “more closely and better coordinate the activity
of European structures”.

Semnebi talked about the significant rise of EU’s interest in the
South Caucasus and said that this is connected with the “expansion of
Europe’s borders to the region”. According to him, after confirmation
of the plan of action for the European Neighborhood Project, relations
between the EU and South Caucasus will be strengthened.

Responding to the questions of journalists, Semnebi confirmed that
in Baku he discussed the re- run elections for parliament. The EU
will very attentively follow this process and give assessment on
the matter. Democracy and human rights are the EU’s main principles
of cooperation.”Europe’s experience shows that cooperation can be
successful if it is based on common values. For Europe, these common
values are democracy and human rights,” Semnebi said.

Responding the question about what the EU’s reaction would be in
the case of a threat to the countries of the region by southern or
northern neighbors, Semnebi said it is difficult to say beforehand.

This is Semnebi’s first visit to the region. In Baku he met with the
Azerbaijan’s leadership and opposition leaders, as well as with the
representatives of international organizations.