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KARABAKH SOLUTION TO UNLOCK HUGE POTENTIAL FOR ENTIRE REGION - CATHERINE ASHTON
news.az
Nov 16 2011
Azerbaijan
News.Az reprints from APA the interview with High Representative of
the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.
How do you estimate the EU-Azerbaijan bilateral relations?
I think we have solid relations. In some fields they are developing
faster than in others, and on some issues we disagree, but overall
I think our relationship is good. Azerbaijan's participation in the
Eastern Partnership since 2009 and the launch of negotiations on an
Association Agreement in 2010 show that we both would like to see a
deeper relationship.
What kind of issues do you plan to discuss during your visit to the
South Caucasus (Azerbaijan)?
We have a full agenda but one particular issue stands out. We
are very concerned about the lack of progress in resolving the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and would like to see how we could play
a more active and helpful role, in full support of the OSCE Minsk
Group. I have appointed a new EU Special Representative, Philippe
Lefort, to take this work forward. A solution to the conflict would
unlock huge potential for the entire region and would in particular
boost regional co-operation. Conflict resolution and reconciliation
are key values on which the EU itself is based, and which we believe
can inspire a renewed effort in the South Caucasus region as well. We
will of course discuss the further development of our bilateral and
multilateral cooperation in the context of the Eastern Partnership.
The European Commission proposed to open negotiations on visa
facilitation agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan. When
will the negotiations start?
I expect talks on visa facilitation and readmission agreements to be
launched early next year, provided of course the preparatory work
is done and the EU Member States give the Commission the mandate
to start. This is clearly a priority issue for us, as it brings our
people and societies closer together.
How do you see the perspectives of the realization of Trans-Caspian
gas pipeline project, taking into the consideration the statement
of Russian Foreign Ministry that the realization of the project is
impossible till the determination of the legal status of the Caspian
Sea by five Caspian littoral states?
The diversification of supply routes is a legitimate concern for both
energy suppliers and consumers, and the EU has developed the Southern
Corridor project as a key priority in this regard. We are very pleased
with the launch of talks on the construction of the Trans-Caspian
pipeline on 12 October, although it is clear that it will take time
to complete all preparations. This project is not directed against
any third country, and we remain determined to further enhance our
strategic energy partnership with Russia.
Does EU plan to activate its role in negotiation process on
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
The Minsk Group has the mandate to mediate between the parties to
the conflict. Our intention is to see whether we could do more to
support its work, and to help build confidence between the two sides,
and more generally act in support of the Minsk Group's work. There
is much at stake in this conflict, and much to be gained if it was
resolved, for the people of the region, and also for the EU. We are
very worried therefore about the rise in tensions and the increase in
incidents, and would like to see how we could help reverse the trend.
From: A. Papazian
news.az
Nov 16 2011
Azerbaijan
News.Az reprints from APA the interview with High Representative of
the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.
How do you estimate the EU-Azerbaijan bilateral relations?
I think we have solid relations. In some fields they are developing
faster than in others, and on some issues we disagree, but overall
I think our relationship is good. Azerbaijan's participation in the
Eastern Partnership since 2009 and the launch of negotiations on an
Association Agreement in 2010 show that we both would like to see a
deeper relationship.
What kind of issues do you plan to discuss during your visit to the
South Caucasus (Azerbaijan)?
We have a full agenda but one particular issue stands out. We
are very concerned about the lack of progress in resolving the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and would like to see how we could play
a more active and helpful role, in full support of the OSCE Minsk
Group. I have appointed a new EU Special Representative, Philippe
Lefort, to take this work forward. A solution to the conflict would
unlock huge potential for the entire region and would in particular
boost regional co-operation. Conflict resolution and reconciliation
are key values on which the EU itself is based, and which we believe
can inspire a renewed effort in the South Caucasus region as well. We
will of course discuss the further development of our bilateral and
multilateral cooperation in the context of the Eastern Partnership.
The European Commission proposed to open negotiations on visa
facilitation agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan. When
will the negotiations start?
I expect talks on visa facilitation and readmission agreements to be
launched early next year, provided of course the preparatory work
is done and the EU Member States give the Commission the mandate
to start. This is clearly a priority issue for us, as it brings our
people and societies closer together.
How do you see the perspectives of the realization of Trans-Caspian
gas pipeline project, taking into the consideration the statement
of Russian Foreign Ministry that the realization of the project is
impossible till the determination of the legal status of the Caspian
Sea by five Caspian littoral states?
The diversification of supply routes is a legitimate concern for both
energy suppliers and consumers, and the EU has developed the Southern
Corridor project as a key priority in this regard. We are very pleased
with the launch of talks on the construction of the Trans-Caspian
pipeline on 12 October, although it is clear that it will take time
to complete all preparations. This project is not directed against
any third country, and we remain determined to further enhance our
strategic energy partnership with Russia.
Does EU plan to activate its role in negotiation process on
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
The Minsk Group has the mandate to mediate between the parties to
the conflict. Our intention is to see whether we could do more to
support its work, and to help build confidence between the two sides,
and more generally act in support of the Minsk Group's work. There
is much at stake in this conflict, and much to be gained if it was
resolved, for the people of the region, and also for the EU. We are
very worried therefore about the rise in tensions and the increase in
incidents, and would like to see how we could help reverse the trend.
From: A. Papazian