EU WELCOMES MOSCOW AND HELSINKI DECLARATIONS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT
Trend News Agency
Dec 25 2008
Azerbaijan
INTERVIEW With High Representative Javier Solana
Azerbaijan, Baku, Dec. 23 /Trend News, E.Ostapenko/ Written interview
with Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP, for Trend News
Question: What do you think will become the essentials of a new
partnership agreement between Russia and the European Union? What is
the greatest concern of the EU about Russia?
Answer: There is a common understanding between the EU and Russia that
it is in our mutual interest to see our relationship based on a new,
legally binding and comprehensive agreement. The current Partnership
and Cooperation Agreement was signed already in 1997 and does not
reflect the full width of our co-operation today. Negotiations on the
new agreement have been resumed after a reflection pause during the
autumn. We expect the new agreement to cover our political dialogue,
external security, freedom, security and justice, economic, trade
and energy issues; and research, education and culture.
One of our main concerns at the moment is the continued tensions
in Georgia. Despite determined EU mediation and a 200-strong EU
monitoring mission, the situation in and around South Ossetia and
Abkhazia remains unstable, and we are hope to see more progress in the
Geneva talks when they resume next year. What happened in Georgia this
year should convince all concerned to redouble the efforts to find
a peaceful and sustainable solutions to the other "frozen conflicts".
Question: Taking in to account the recent statements by Armenia and
Azerbaijan, the sides are "closer to resolving the conflict than
ever". Do you share such optimistic views?
Answer: As I said, after the Georgia conflict in August it has
become even more clear that a military solution to the conflict is
not an option. In this spirit, we welcomed the Moscow declaration
of 2 November and the declaration of Helsinki of 4 December, as
they confirmed that all sides sign up to the need for a peaceful
solution. We fully support the Minsk Group and we ready to help in
any way we can, for instance through confidence-building measures
and people-to-people contacts.
Question: International organisations, including the OSCE, call on
countries in the region to promote regional co-operation, stressing
that this would help in resolving conflicts. How do you view the
prospects of co-operation in the region, taking into account the lack
of any relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as Turkey
and Armenia many years because of territorial claims?
Answer: The conflict in Georgia has demonstrated the vulnerability
of the region as well as the complexity of the conflicts and the
high risks related to them. Regional cooperation and constructive
dialogue are hence more essential than ever for the region’s
stability, prosperity and progress. In this context, we welcomed
the recent signs of rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey as
a basis for the normalisation of bilateral relations. We strongly
encourage both parties to continue this path and pursue constructive
dialogue. Progress in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will
also facilitate the normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and
Armenia. There is now a momentum that should not be lost. It is in this
spirit that we actively encourage any form of regional cooperation and
constructive dialogue leading to stronger ties between the countries
in the region as the best way to create prosperity and stability
for all. Don’t forget that the European Union is itself a very good
example of regional co-operation and of how conflicts can be overcome.
Question: The Director General of IAEA Muhammad El-Baradei in an
interview with the German newspaper Day Welt said that Iran wants
to acquire technology to produce nuclear weapons. Do you think Iran
wants to get the technology to develop nuclear weapons? Could the EU
change its policy towards Iran in the future?
Answer: The latest IAEA report confirms that the facts on the ground
remain of great concern. Unfortunately Iran has neither suspended nor
frozen its enrichment-related activities, and still does not comply
with the relevant UNSC Resolutions. Furthermore, Iran is still not
disclosing all the necessary information to clarify the issues which
have a possible military dimension.
The EU therefore continues to follow a dual-track approach with
regard to Iran: increasing pressure including through UNSC sanctions
measures on the one hand, and showing openness to negotiations on the
other hand. These could start as soon as Iran creates the necessary
environment.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
