MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext. 202
Fax: +37410. 565601
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
11-01-2008
The European Parliament adopted the resolution on a more effective EU Policy
for the South Caucasus
The European Parliament resolution on a more effective EU Policy for the
South Caucasus passed on January 17, 2008 with several paragraphs referring
to specifically Armenia and the Nagorno Karabakh Conflict.
The resolution refers extensively to the need to resolve regional conflicts
as well as transport and energy issues, and economic cooperation.
The resolution affirms that "a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict — a conflict which exacerbates relations between Armenia and
Azerbaijan — and of Georgia’s internal conflicts in Abkazia and South
Ossetia, is essential for stability in the EU neighbourhood, as well as for
the economic and social development of the South Caucasus region."
Referring to the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the resolution states that "the
project bypasses the existing and fully operative rail line in Armenia;
urges the South Caucasus republics and Turkey to pursue effectively policies
of regional economic integration and to refrain from any short-sighted and
politically motivated regional energy and transportation projects which
violate ENP principles of sound development."
Further, regarding the Nagorno Karabakh conflict specifically, the European
Parliament "notes that the contradiction between the principles of
self-determination and territorial integrity contributes to the perpetuation
of the unresolved post-Soviet conflicts in the South Caucasus region;
considers that this problem can be overcome only through negotiations."
Finally, the Parliament "calls on key actors in the region to play a
constructive role in resolving unresolved post-Soviet conflicts in the
region and to take steps to normalise its relations with neighbours;
reiterates its call upon Turkey to engage in serious and intensive efforts
for the resolution of outstanding disputes with all its neighbours, in
accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and
other relevant international conventions, and including a frank and open
discussion on past events; reiterates its call on the Turkish and Armenian
Governments to start the process of reconciliation for the present and the
past, and calls on the Commission to facilitate this process while taking
advantage of the regional cooperation realised within the ENP and Black Sea
Synergy policy; calls on the Commission and the Council to address the
opening of the Turkish border with Armenia with the authorities of those two
countries."