Panorama.am
11:24 19/01/2008
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.’
Source: Panorama.am