AZERBAIJAN OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO EU AS ENERGY RESOURCE PRODUCER AND TRANSIT COUNTRY

Baku Today, Azerbaijan
April 24 2006

The diversification of energy resources and routes is among the
priorities of European Union, Hand Winkler, head of EU Three
delegation, State Secretary of Austrian Foreign Ministry, said at
Saturday’s press conference in Baku.

He added that Azerbaijan is of great importance to the EU as an energy
resource producer and transit country.

Winkler said that energy issues were the focus of talks held between
the Three and Azerbaijani authorities in Baku.

Asked about the EU’s attitude toward Trans-Caspian energy projects,
Winkler answered that the EU is ready to encourage projects from
the Caspian Sea basin to Europe, but decisions must be made by the
interested countries and companies.

Azerbaijan’s participation in the European Neighborhood Policy was
also discussed during the visit. Winkler added that the EU creates
policy with its neighbors and partners on the basis of common values,
including principles of market economy, democracy, human rights,
pluralism and supremacy of law. Winkler expressed hope that during
the third round of consultations, scheduled for May 2006, work on the
plan of actions within the framework of European Neighborhood Policy
would be over. The plan will envisage measures aimed at reforms in
political, legal, economic and cultural fields.

Speaking about the Karabakh conflict, Winkler stressed the necessity
of a just conflict settlement on the basis of international law to
establish a lasting peace. The establishment of peace will foster
stability in the region, said Winkler.