Tehran: Prodi to visit Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia

Prodi to visit Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia
IRNA< Iran Sept 15 2004 Brussels, Sept 15, IRNA -- European Commission President Romano Prodi Thursday begins a four-day tour of the Southern Caucasus that will take him to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. "This first-ever visit by a European Commission President highlights the EU`s interest in the region following the inclusion of all three countries in the European Neighbourhood Policy,`` said Prodi in press statements. Prodi said he will urge his counterparts to push ahead with reforms and conflict settlement. The visits follow the EU Council`s decision of 14 June to include the three Southern Caucasus countries in the European Neighbourhood Policy. "My visit is intended to send the important message that the EU is fully committed to supporting the Southern Caucasus countries as they work to build stable societies based on democratic values and to affording these countries real prospects of strong ties with the European Union," he said. In Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, Prodi will meet the Presidents, the Prime Ministers, the Speakers of these countries` Parliaments and their religious leaders. In the three countries he will take the opportunity to address a wider audience of civil society representatives on the European Neighbourhood Policy and its significance for the Southern Caucasus, noted a Commission statement.