EU AGAINST MENTIONING NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT IN CONTEXT OF KOSOVO’S RECOGNITION

Trend News Agency
Feb 13 2008
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, 13 February / corr Trend News K.Ramazanova / The
European Union (EU), which may recognize the independence of Kosovo
unilaterally, considers that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict cannot be
mentioned in this context.

"It is good that in unlike Abkhazia and South Osetia, the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not mentioned in the context of
recognition of Kosovo," Peter Semneby, the EU special representative
for South Caucasus, said in an interview with the Russian newspaper
Kommersant on 13 February.

A declaration on independence of the Serb Province of Kosovo is likely
to be signed at the end of this week, Jakup Krasnichi, the Speaker
of the Kosovo Parliament stated on 12 February.

No politician from Kosovo spoke about the date of the meeting of
local parliament where the relevant decision will be made. However,
the Kosovo media mentioned 17 February as the possible day for issuing
autonomy for the region and even the sum of money to be spent for
celebrations – approximately ~@1mln.

Leaders of the South Serb Province with the support of the United
States, the UK and most US countries have been reaching for an
independent status over several years. Russia is against the unilateral
issue of independence for Kosovo.

Semneby voiced his disappointment that despite extensive dialogue no
solution has been found to the Karabakh problem. "However, definite
tranquility reigns there and that is encouraging," the special
representative said.

Semneby said that the negotiation process held within the framework
of the OSCE Minsk Group, restrains Armenia and Azerbaijan from taking
any dramatic actions.

The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began
in 1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since
1992, Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20% of Azerbaijan including
the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its seven surrounding districts. In
1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which
time active hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group ( Russia, France, and the US) are currently holding peaceful
negotiations.

The special representative said that after relaxation of tension
around Kosovo, talks over Abkhazia and South Osetia can be restored.