AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Nov. 4, 2004
EU to prepare report on S Caucasus countries
The European Union intends to prepare a report on the South Caucasus
countries.
Based on the document to reflect the real situation in each regional
state, the organization will develop an action plan on its cooperation
with the three countries, the EU special envoy on South Caucasus Heikki
Talvitie told a news conference in Baku on Friday.
The report on Azerbaijan will be prepared by the European Commission
special envoy in Baku Antonias De Vris.
Talvitie, who was in Baku as part of his tour of the region, said his
visit to Azerbaijan was ‘very fruitful’.
He said the EU will be closely following the December 2004 municipal
and the 2005 parliamentary elections, and ‘hopes the elections will be
free and transparent’.
Speaking about his meeting with leaders of seven opposition parties,
the special envoy underlined that he believes that the opposition will
take part in the municipal election.
“By taking part in the elections the opposition will get a chance to
influence future policy-making.”
Touching upon the ruling on the seven opposition leaders recently
convicted in court, he said that it was necessary to ensure
independence of courts in all South Caucasus states.
“Some obstacles for this exist in Azerbaijan”, Talvitie said.
With regard to the European Union’s position on the Upper Garabagh
conflict, Talvitie said the EU is not involved in peace talks but
supports the OSCE Minsk Group in charge of the conflict resolution
process.
“If the sides reach an agreement, the EU will support it and assist in
the rehabilitation process,” he concluded.
Asked why the EU persistently refuses to recognize Armenia as
aggressor, Talvitie said that EU believes that making harsh statements
concerning one of the parties to the conflict does not promote
successful course of the talks and can even impede the settlement
process.
The EU special envoy also spoke of the problem of Azerbaijani refugees.
He said that refugees’ rights to repatriation must be protected.
“The peace agreement to be concluded between Azerbaijan and Armenia
must envision refugees’ rights to repatriation,” he underlined.
Refugees must be able to return home but this should not be mandatory,
Talvitie said.
“I was born in Vyborg. Prior to World War II, this town was a part of
Finland, and is currently a part of Russia. When the war started, I was
just a baby and was evacuated from there. Therefore, I am a refugee
too.”
While in Baku, the EU special envoy met with President Aliyev, Foreign
Minister Mammadyarov, Central Election Commission Chairman Panahov, as
well as leaders of major opposition parties and ambassadors of EU
member-states accredited in Baku.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress