TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 9 2006

EU can undertake responsibility for maintenance of peace in
Nagorno-Karabakh – EU special rep for S Caucasus

Source: Trend
Author: A.Mammadova

09.06.2006

Exclusive interview of Trend with the European union (EU) special
representative for South Caucasus, Peter Semnebi

Question: How do you estimate the last visit to the South Caucasus
countries? Did you manage to achieve any accord during the talks?

Answer: The purpose of my first visits to the South Caucasus was not
to achieve accords but to see how the EU can later be useful in
supporting a settlement of the conflicts. I was encouraged by the
depth of discussion on conflict resolution among experts in
Azerbaijan and Armenia. But I was also discoraged by the harsh public
discourse. In Georgia, the conflicts have to be seen in the context
of the problematic relation between Russia and Georgia. There is much
more that could be done on the part of both countries to enhance
dialogue and resolve problems. But there have been some positive
signs recently of a mutual willingness to at least discuss the
problematic issues. The EU is prepared to engage where it can be
helpful. Russia has a special responsibility because of the
difference in size: any move on the part of Russia may be seen as an
existential threat in tiny Georgia, but the opposite is obviously not
true.
Ultimately, it has to be in Russia’s interest to help resolving the
conflicts in order to make sure that it has a stable and friendly
neighbour on its border.

Question: At which stage are the consultations on the preparations of
the Act Plan on the implementation of the EUs New Naborhood Policy?

Answer: The negotiations are almost finished with all three
countries, although there are some issues that are still open. The
European Neighbourhood Policy does not involve a membership
perspective, but if Azerbaijan and the other countries take the
Action Plans seriously, they will be able to move very close to the
EU and to European standards in most areas of society. This will not
be an easy path, but I am certain that the trip along this path will
ultimately be rewarding. The trip itself will be an important
learning experience for the individual countries as well as for the
EU. This learning experience will inevitably bring us closer
together. At the end of the road, I am convinced that there will be a
strong sense of common identity. The Neighborhood Policy is also
supposed to strengthen regional cooperation. I have seen from my
previous job in the Balkans how this became much easier within a
larger European framework based on certain common principles and
values.

Question: How is the mandate of the Special Deputy of EU on South
Caucasus countries practically enlarged?

Answer: The participation of the three countries in the European
Neighbourhood Policy means that the EU has a direct interest of
prosperity and stability in the region. As a result, the interest of
the EU for the conflicts is growing.
The EU marked this interest in a subtle way by reinforcing the
mandate of the EUSR when I was appointed. While my predecessor was
supposed to “assist” in conflict resolution, I am supposed to
“contribute” to conflict resolution. This change is particularly
important as a political signal.

Question: Are any recommendations on the issue on the settlement of
the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict on Nagorno Karabakh supposed to be
prepared to the governing body of EU?

Answer: The EU is not involved in the actual negotiations, which are
the responsibility of the OSCE, and more specifically of the OSCE
Minsk Group. But the EU supports and follows the work of the Minsk
Group, and one EU country is involved in it as co-chair. The main EU
role is likely to come after a settlement. The EU will, of course,
help to ensure that a settlement is implemented. In addition to a
strong sense of responsibility for two countries that have suffered
because of war and ethnic conflict, there is also a growing notion
that it is in the self-interest of the EU to support a settlement.
A settlement will create the conditions for stability and
prosperity in an important neighboring area of the EU, which is
becoming tied more closely to the EU and which is embracing the
fundamental values of the EU. After a settlement, it will be
self-evident for the EU to make a major contribution to the
reconstruction and rehabilitation of the war-torn areas. The EU may
also consider a peacekeeping engagement, but I have to mention that
there are other options for peace-keeping as well.

Question: Do you think that there is still a chance to settle
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2006?

Answer: I’m neither a pessimist nor an optimist. For too long the
pessimists have been proven right over and over again. I will stretch
so far as to say that I hope the optimists will be right this time. I
also hope that those who look upon the conflict in a rational way
will prevail in both countries. The advantages of a settlement for
both countries are obvious. The reopening of contacts between the two
countries and particularly in the conflict area will finally create
the conditions for long-term stability and prosperity. By contrast,
if the conflict continues, there will always be missed opportunities.
Societies that live on a war footing will always devote a large
amount of resources to purposes that could have been used in other
ways if there had been peace. A settlement will require bold and
statesmanlike decisions on the part of the political leaders of the
two countries. The fact that both countries have exceptionally
capable leaders gives me reason to hope that this is possible.

Question: What do you think about collaboration in the energy field
between Azerbaijan and the EU?

Answer: There is already collaboration in the energy field with EU
companies active in Azerbaijan. As the EU is continuing to diversify
its energy resources, not only in terms of types of energy, but also
in terms of suppliers and supply routes, Azerbaijan will have a
growing importance. But again, the full potential of this
collaboration will only be realized if there is lasting peace.