BAKU: EU Envoy Says Nagornyy Karabakh Conflict Priority – Azeri Pape

EU ENVOY SAYS NAGORNYY KARABAKH CONFLICT PRIORITY – AZERI PAPER

Zerkalo
April 7 2009
Azerbaijan

The Nagornyy Karabakh conflict is a priority area for us, EU special
representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby told the media
in Azerbaijan on 6 April, independent daily Zerkalo has reported.

"The EU does not take part in a resolution of the conflict, but
we support the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group and the Nagornyy
Karabakh conflict is a priority for us." Semneby said.

The EU may contribute to security of its neighbours and partners and
we favour the opening of borders in the South Caucasus which is a
precondition for security and development of economic potential in
the region, Semneby was quoted by Zerkalo as saying.

Semneby said that the EU supported the stance of the Venice Commission
of the Council of Europe which states that some of the amendments aimed
to improve the constitution. However, Semneby noted that the removal
of the restriction on the number of presidential terms contradicts
tendencies in modern Europe. Such limits are needed in countries where
democratic institutions are on the development phase, Semneby added.

He described Azerbaijan as an important contributor to stability in
Georgia after the August events.