AZERBAIJANI POLITICAL EXPERT: SWEDISH PRIME MINISTER MEANT SUSPENSION OF EASTERN PARTNERSHIP WHICH INCLUDES AZERBAIJAN FOR COMING HALF-YEAR
Naila Abdullayeva

Today.Az
02 July 2009 [17:45]

I think Swedish Prime Minister Frederick Reinsfild who presides over
the EU meant suspension of the Eastern Partnership which includes
Azerbaijan for coming half-year during which Sweden will hold EU
chairmanship.

Political expert Rasim Musabayov said to Day.az while commenting
on Swedish PM Frederick Reinsfild’s statement which said Eastern
Partnership Program will be postponed.

"Eastern Partnership is not confined only to the fact that the EU
allocates money. It has lots of things that do not require the direct
costs. This is to facilitate access of products to EU markets and
facilitating visa regime," he said.

"The funds the EU has allocated for the program is very
little. Moreover, much of this sum has already been allocated as a
part of the European Neighborhood Policy," the political expert said.

"I think prime minister’s statement refers only to the fact it is
not worth waiting for additional funds over the next half-year of
Sweden’s EU chairmanship. But that does not mean that the program is
closed. Reinsfild is just not authorized to do it," Musabayov said.

The Eastern Partnership was initiated by Sweden and Poland. The
program of cooperation with six former Soviet countries Belarus,
Ukraine, Armenia, Moldova, Georgia and Azerbaijan involves deepening
of cooperation with Europe.