PETER SEMNEBY: AZERBAIJANIS’ SELF-CONFIDENCE CAN BE CONDITIONED BY ENERGY BOOM
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 17 2006
“All of the three South Caucasus states move in different directions,”
EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby stated.
In his words, Georgia heads for the European Union and the West
in general.
“Armenia is still under the influence of the atmosphere caused by
the isolation and its consequences. Azerbaijan adheres to rather
balanced policy towards its partners and neighbours. The increased
self-confidence of Azerbaijanis can be conditioned by the energy boom,”
Mr. Semneby said.
Touching on the “frozen conflicts” in the South Caucasus, the EU
special representative said the European Union supposes that these
conflicts can be settled through creation of atmosphere of trust
between the communities, majorities and minorities in the region.
Mr. Semneby also added that the escalation cannot be ruled out until
the conflicts are settled.
When commenting on the possibility of deploying EU and NATO
peacekeepers in the region, the EU special representative said, “I am
not empowered to speak on behalf of NATO. As for the European Union,
it’s possible. However it will be one of many possibilities.
Everything depends on the will of the parties.”