ONLY EU CAN CREATE TRUSTFUL ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN NAGORNO-KARABAKH COMMUNITIES – SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE
Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 5 2007
Belgium, Brussels / Òrend corr A. Maharramli / Trend’s interview with
EU Special Representative to South Caucasus, Peter Semneby.
Question: A conference intended to deepen relations and improve
bonds between the European Union (EU) and its neighbours took place
in Brussels on 3 September. For the first time not only ministerial
delegations but also representatives of civil society were invited
to participate in the conference. How important is the participation
of civil society in the implementation of the Action Plan within the
framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy signed in November
of 2006?
Answer: I believe this conference is a very important stage for all
participating countries. I am glad to see all three South Caucasus
countries were represented at the event by ministers. This shows that
the South Caucasus countries attach a special importance to the Action
Plan within the framework of the Neighbourhood Policy.
Fulfilment of the obligations proceeding from the Action Plan is very
important, especially those regarding democratic institutions, human
rights, and freedom of the press. Those are fundamental tasks for
establishing close and trusting relationships between the EU countries.
Question: How much, in your opinion, has Azerbaijan’s desire to
integrate into European organizations increased?
Answer: If the Azerbaijani population supports the integration of
European institutions, so I too agree with this progress. Azerbaijani
people understand the importance of strategic bonds with the EU.
Cooperation with Europe in reforms, as well as in the energy sector,
is very important.
Question: What problems do you see in the process of Azerbaijan’s
integration into Europe?
Answer: Human rights and the obligations I mentioned above will impact
cooperation with the EU. I hope Azerbaijan will fulfil them more
carefully and seriously. That will positively affect the cooperation
between Azerbaijan and the EU.
The recommendations on political reforms and in the legal field
are clear. We try to help. That is an attempt to establish tight
relationships between Azerbaijan and the EU. For the time being I
cannot make conclusions. We have to wait for the first report on
fulfilment of the obligations proceeding from the Action Plan of the
European Commission. We pay a great importance to these issues.
Several weeks ago I visited Azerbaijan, where the media situation
was being widely discussed. Other European organizations – OSCE, CE –
also deal with these issues.
We understand that transformation for Azerbaijan, a country which was
previously under a totalitarian regime, is a very difficult process.
But it is necessary for Azerbaijan to do all the best to progress in
this field.
Question: Do you agree with the viewpoint that the EU should play a
more important role in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
Answer: I do not want to speak of the further work ahead. I can
only say that we support and respect the initiative of the OSCE
Minsk Group. The EU’s actions will be intended for supporting the
continuation of the OSCE Minsk Group’s work. We can do a lot in
the creation of a trustful atmosphere and the establishment of
bonds between the communities of Nagorno-Karabakh. Only we have
this opportunity, for we develop the strategic cooperation between
Azerbaijan and Armenia.
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