Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 23 2006
Ilham Aliyev: "Creation of two Armenian states is impossible and
poses a threat to Europe"
[ 23 Sen. 2006 12:55 ]
"South Caucasus plays a vital part for Europe. Particularly, delivery
of Caspian energy recourses to European market is of great
importance.
But, Nagorno Garabagh conflict in the region is a big obstacle to the
relationship between Europe and South Caucasus, Azerbaijan’s
President Ilham Aliyev told Bertelsmann Forum 2006 in Berlin.
"Europe should play decisive part in the settlement of the conflict
and work for a peace accord in the region". He said energy security
for Europe is a demand of time and in this respect, Azerbaijan is
ready to act as a reliable partner of Europe. He said Azerbaijan has
joined New Neighborhood Policy and integration into the west is
priority of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.
Azerbaijani President mentioned Baku’s stance on the Nagorno Garabagh
issue once again.
"Armenian is the only state in the world without national minorities.
In this regard, creation of two Armenian states is impossible and is
not in line with international norms and principles and poses a
threat to future Europe" he stated.
Rumanian President Traian Basescu supported the position of
Azerbaijan and drew attention to the fact that defence of the rights
of ethnic minorities mustn’t violate the territorial integrity of a
country.
"Ideas not in accordance with European standards will not be
effective. Every ethnic minority can’t establish its own state. There
exists an experience of authority; the conflicts have to be settled
on these principles".
Azerbaijani President also answered questions on global energy,
Azerbaijan’s oil and gas policy, BTC and other projects, and
international issues.
The forum is being attended by presidents, premiers, parliament
speakers and foreign ministers of some 20 countries.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, EU Commission President Manuel
Barroso, French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, Belgian Prime
Minister Guy Verhofstadt and Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc
Gyurcsany told the forum that the principal aim of this meeting is to
exchange views on the future of Europe.
It was said at the forum that resolution of frozen conflicts,
elimination of obstacles to economic growth is very necessary. Issues
on countries wanting to be admitted to the EU, relations with OIC
member-states, energy security of Europe, scientific research
programs, economic and political projects, reforms in education
sphere, creation of new universities, happenings in Near East and
other hotspots etc. were also discussed at the forum.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev also met with Speaker of
Georgian Parliament Mrs. Nino Burjanadze and former US secretary of
department of state Henry Kissinger in Berlin.
The International forum is ending today. /APA/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress