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  • NKR: EU Only Makes Proposals

    EU ONLY MAKES PROPOSALS

    Azat Artsakh - Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
    13 May 05

    This is the opinion of the special representative of the EU in the
    South Caucasus, Ambassador Heikki Talvitie. He emphasized the
    importance of continuing dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, for
    the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group cannot work without this
    dialogue. One of the most important political events last week was the
    visit of the special representative of the EU in the South Caucasus,
    Ambassador Heikki Talvitie to Armenia. During his visit the special
    representative met with the president of Armenia, the speaker of the
    National Assembly and the minister of foreign affairs. During the
    talks three main issues were discussed: EU - Armenia relationships,
    resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Turkish - Armenian
    relationships. The minister of foreign affairs of Armenia informed
    that in the context of the resolution of the Karabakh conflict
    H. Talvitie and Vardan Oskanian discussed the present stage and the
    prospect of resolution of the conflict. Pointing out the necessity of
    resuming talks, they expressed anxiety about the recent violations of
    the ceasefire. After the meeting with the RA authorities V. Oskanian
    and H. Talvitie met with the journalists in the press hall of the
    Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In reference to the resolution of the NK
    issue Ambassador Talvitie stated thatthe conflict sides should
    themselves aid to the settlement of the problem. According to him, the
    co-chairs may make their contribution to the settlement of the
    conflict by proposing resolutions on the settlement of the conflict
    and notmore because they are entitled to make proposals only, whereas
    it is the conflict parties that are to find the solution to the
    problem. And the sooner, the better because, according to H. Talvitie,
    the unsettled conflict hinders promotion of cooperation in the region
    of the South Caucasus, whereas the European Union is absolutely
    interested in development of cooperation in the South Caucasus. As to
    the present stage of settlement of the problem of Nagorno Karabakh, V.
    Oskanian said the ministerial level talks in the framework of the
    Minsk Group have come to a point when the meeting of presidents is
    required for they are entitles to solve the issues discussed
    currently. Touching upon the solution based on compromise, the foreign
    minister of Armenia said compromises need to be discussed by the
    conflict parties during the talks. As to who will compromise over
    what, the foreign minister of Armenia said none of those who speak out
    for compromise can answer this question. `Naturally, each of the
    parties keeps in their mind the borderline which they will not
    cross. However, they do not let it be known, as this may hinder the
    talks,' said the minister. In answer to the question why he did not
    take part in the meeting in Frankfurt where the foreign minister of
    Azerbaijan met with the Minsk Group co-chairs, V. Oskanian said his
    participation had not been planned. According to him, the co-chairs
    had been aware that the date of the meeting in Frankfurt was not
    convenientfor him. At the same time, the minister mentioned that the
    co-chairs were to meet with the ministers separately, there was no
    need to appoint the meetings in the same place and at the same
    time. V. Oskanian also mentioned that there is no more need for
    ministerial level meetings, because the next step must be taken by the
    presidents. By the way, according to the foreign minister of Armenia,
    his meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs is appointed in Warsaw
    in the framework of the EU summit, one or two days before the possible
    meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

    CHRISTINE MNATSAKANIAN.
    13-05-2005
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