STEF GORIS: EU’S POSITION ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH

Today
Azerbaijan
April 23 2010

How would you comment on Azerbaijan’s accusation that international
community is rather concerned about improving socio-economic situation
in Armenia also calling on Turkey to open border with this country
than to resolve the Karabakh conflict?

I share this view. In my opinion, the international community should
pay much more attention to resolving the Karabakh problem, as this
conflict continues to hamper democratic reforms in the entire South
Caucasus. It is like a dark shadow over the region. This conflict
should be resolved.

Do you believe full democracy is impossible in the region until the
Karabakh conflict is resolved?

Resolving the Karabakh problem is a precondition for the advancement
of other reforms, such as reforms in the sphere of democracy, economy
and social life. This problem should not remain in its current state.

That is why I very well understand the appeal of President of
Azerbaijan to the international community to contribute to resolving
this conflict.

You said that the EU should play a more active role in settlement of
the Karabakh conflict. France represents EU’s interests in the Minsk
Group. In your opinion, is there any need to replace that country or
include one more European country to the group?

I am confident that the EU must understand very clearly that there is
a UN Security Council resolution, the text of which is very clearly
states Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. In my opinion, EU’s position
is not strong and clear enough. EU spokespersons, commissioners,
MPs often show certain flexibility and are too diplomatic about this
issue, while the UN Security Council resolutions are clear. In such
circumstances, I can only urge the EU to support the decisions taken
at UN level.