THOMAS GRUNER: EU SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN KARABAKH TALKS

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.09.2007 16:55 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "I suppose that the European Union can do more for
the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Unfortunately, the
EU lacks the essential foreign and security policy at the moment,"
said European Parliament member Thomas Gruner.

"I believe that EU’s efficient endeavors are necessary for the
Karabakh settlement. In my personal opinion, the European Union should
participate in the talks.

Many EU member states wish to promote the resolution of the conflict. I
wish the EU could develop a joint strategy and become a mediator. We
have a mission for guarding Transdnistrian borders, we cooperate
with police and customs services. This variant may be considered for
Nagorno Karabakh as well. I believe that the European Union has a
greater potential than the OSCE Minsk Group. The conflict region is
closer to Europe than to the United States," he said.

"The Action Plan with Azerbaijan reflects the principle of territorial
integrity and this principle should be respected. The Action Plan with
Armenia maintains other details. It reflects the principle of the right
of nations to self-determination. Do not accuse the EU of "double
game." The Action Plans have been discussed with the partner states
and have different contents. The EU’s political wish is to resolve
the conflict basing on the documents adopted by the international
community. The conflict should be settled via talks and the sides
should be ready for concessions," he said, Trend news agency reports.