Slovenia understands endeavours of Caucasus states to join EU – minister
Radio Slovenia, Ljubljana
18 Jan 05
[Presenter] A session of the 3rd plenary assembly of the South
Caucasus Parliamentary Initiative began in the National Assembly
today. The topics are dialogue, relations and exchange of opinions
between the parliaments of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The first
session was held in Scotland and the second in Bulgaria. This time,
the Initiative’s session is held in Slovenia which is also presiding
over the OSCE. [Passage omitted]
[Chairman Tigran Torosian, speaking in Russian with superimposed
Slovene translation] All three countries know how important the EU is
for our region. The fact that we are in Slovenia today is of a special
importance and we see it as a long-term assurance that our wishes to
enter European integration processes will come true.
[Reporter Andrej Stopar] This was said by the Initiative’s chair,
Tigran Torosian from Armenia.
Slovenia’s transition period was relatively short. As a member of the
EU and NATO, it is a good example for the southern Caucasus. Its
presidency over OSCE is another reason for strengthening
relations. Speaker France Cukjati:
[Cukjati] OSCE could be a source of information on best ways of
ensuring development and stability in the region. [Passage omitted]
[Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office Dimitrij Rupel] Slovenia
understands wishes and endeavours of the Caucasus countries on their
path towards Europe. [Passage omitted]