EURO PARLIAMENT CALLS ARMENIA TO WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM AZERBAIJANI OCCUPIED LANDS

news.az
May 21 2010
Azerbaijan

European MPs call for the withdrawal of Armenian forces from all
occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

The EU must pursue a strategy to promote stability, prosperity
and conflict resolution in the South Caucasus, argues a resolution
adopted by Parliament on Thursday, press service of the European
Parliament reports.

Although Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia have been partners of the EU’s
Neighbourhood Policy since 2004, a comprehensive regional strategy is
still lacking for the region, says the resolution, which was drafted
by Evgeni Kirilov (S&D, BG). MEPs want the EU strategy for the South
Caucasus to concentrate on three areas: conflict resolution; promotion
of democracy, human rights and the rule of law; economic cooperation
and social development.

"Europe faces a complex geopolitical situation in its dealings with
this region, with conflicts in the Nagorno Karabakh area and Georgia
as well as tensions between Armenia and Turkey. The situation of
conflict in the region is neither acceptable nor viable, say MEPs,
who express concern at the recent increases in military spending
and call for the withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied
territories of Azerbaijan. Another obstacle to economic and social
development is the persistence of "frozen conflicts".

Lastly, MEPs highlight the importance of the region for the EU’s
energy security and supply.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress