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SEMNEBY SAYS IT IS UBNORMAL TO HAVE CLOSED BORDERS
Yerkir
10.11.2009 12:26
Yerevan (Yerkir) - EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter
Semneby, in an inteview with the Russian newspaper Kommersant, has
said that it is a good development that Armenian-Turkish negotiations
are in progress.
"Armenia-Turkish border's opening can become a first step to overcome
the abnormal situation when three longest borders of the region are
closed. These borders are those between Turkey and Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Armenia, and between Georgia and Russia. These developments hinder
growth," Semneby said. "Current Armenian-Turkish relations may now
bring breakthrough although ratification, surely, will be complicated.
But these developments are in Armenia's and Turkey's interests. And
I believe the same for Azerbaijan as it is interested in open borders
in region."
The war in Georgia showed that South Caucasus states are vulnerable.
This can be overcome if we solve these matters, he went on saying.
"Sure, it is a problem and an unacceptable stuff that Russia has
recognized South Osetia and Abkhazia. We will have talks on this issue
involving Russia in discussions. Anyway we have common priorities
in other areas, so our disagreement with Russia cannot hinder our
cooperation aimed at overcoming other conflicts," he said.
He added: "I am confident, Armenian leadership holds with me and the
present status-quo of Nagorno-Karabakh is not in Armenia's interests,
that cannot last forever."
Yerkir
10.11.2009 12:26
Yerevan (Yerkir) - EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter
Semneby, in an inteview with the Russian newspaper Kommersant, has
said that it is a good development that Armenian-Turkish negotiations
are in progress.
"Armenia-Turkish border's opening can become a first step to overcome
the abnormal situation when three longest borders of the region are
closed. These borders are those between Turkey and Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Armenia, and between Georgia and Russia. These developments hinder
growth," Semneby said. "Current Armenian-Turkish relations may now
bring breakthrough although ratification, surely, will be complicated.
But these developments are in Armenia's and Turkey's interests. And
I believe the same for Azerbaijan as it is interested in open borders
in region."
The war in Georgia showed that South Caucasus states are vulnerable.
This can be overcome if we solve these matters, he went on saying.
"Sure, it is a problem and an unacceptable stuff that Russia has
recognized South Osetia and Abkhazia. We will have talks on this issue
involving Russia in discussions. Anyway we have common priorities
in other areas, so our disagreement with Russia cannot hinder our
cooperation aimed at overcoming other conflicts," he said.
He added: "I am confident, Armenian leadership holds with me and the
present status-quo of Nagorno-Karabakh is not in Armenia's interests,
that cannot last forever."