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"THERE CAN ONLY BE A NEGOTIATED SOLUTION AND RHETORIC SUGGESTING OTHERWISE IS UNHELPFUL"
Mediamax
Nov 16 2011
Armenia
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice
President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton's exclusive
interview to Mediamax
- Armenian PM and other senior officials stated recently that in
2012 they aim to hold "the most transparent and fair elections over
the whole 20-year history of independence". How important are such
pledges for the EU-Armenia political dialogue?
- This is very important. It is a strong positive signal that
we expect now to be translated into concrete steps to prepare the
elections well. As always we stand ready to offer support and advice,
to the elections and to the many other aspects which together make
up the concept of "deep democracy", which lies at the heart of the
Eastern Partnership: freedom of association, expression and assembly,
rule of law administered by an independent judiciary and the right
to a fair trail, the effective fight against corruption, as well as
security and law enforcement sector reform.
- European officials are saying that EU should play a more active role
in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Taking into account the
fact that EU doesn't want to replace the OSCE Minsk Group, how do
you see this more "active role"?
- We fully support the OSCE Minsk Group in its efforts to achieve a
peaceful resolution of the conflict on the basis of the principles of
the non-use of force, territorial integrity and self-determination
of people. The EU's aim is not to change the format, nor to gain
influence over the different sides, but to offer more active and
stronger support.
We can help create a positive environment, including through
confidence-building measures. From our own history, we have experience
in conflict resolution and reconciliation, which we are willing to
share.We also think it is high time to achieve a settlement, as it
would provide a boost to the development of the region, help ensure
stability and make it easier for the people of the region to travel
and trade. It will help create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
There should be no further delay. The conflict is holding the region
hostage. .
- It is no secret for anyone that Azerbaijani President and Government
members are frequently making bellicose statements and saying
that war is an option for settling the NK issue. During this year
you have at least twice publicly criticised Azerbaijan for human
rights violations. Why don't you also call on Azerbaijan to stop
war propaganda?
- There can only be a negotiated solution to the conflict, and rhetoric
suggesting otherwise is unhelpful, from whichever side it comes. What
counts is progress in the talks, and the readiness on both sides to
make difficult compromises.
- European Parliament adopted a "European Neighborhood Policy
Review" Resolution this April 7. It contains an urge to develop
"informal contacts and consultations with the societies of breakaway
territories"? It is realistic to expect that European Commission is
going to follow this urge?
- Confidence building, including through people-to-people contacts,
is necessary to promote mutual understanding. The EU can help both
sides engage with each other, prepare the ground for a solution,
show the advantages of peace and of a peaceful Caucasus strongly
connected to the EU.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Mediamax
Nov 16 2011
Armenia
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice
President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton's exclusive
interview to Mediamax
- Armenian PM and other senior officials stated recently that in
2012 they aim to hold "the most transparent and fair elections over
the whole 20-year history of independence". How important are such
pledges for the EU-Armenia political dialogue?
- This is very important. It is a strong positive signal that
we expect now to be translated into concrete steps to prepare the
elections well. As always we stand ready to offer support and advice,
to the elections and to the many other aspects which together make
up the concept of "deep democracy", which lies at the heart of the
Eastern Partnership: freedom of association, expression and assembly,
rule of law administered by an independent judiciary and the right
to a fair trail, the effective fight against corruption, as well as
security and law enforcement sector reform.
- European officials are saying that EU should play a more active role
in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Taking into account the
fact that EU doesn't want to replace the OSCE Minsk Group, how do
you see this more "active role"?
- We fully support the OSCE Minsk Group in its efforts to achieve a
peaceful resolution of the conflict on the basis of the principles of
the non-use of force, territorial integrity and self-determination
of people. The EU's aim is not to change the format, nor to gain
influence over the different sides, but to offer more active and
stronger support.
We can help create a positive environment, including through
confidence-building measures. From our own history, we have experience
in conflict resolution and reconciliation, which we are willing to
share.We also think it is high time to achieve a settlement, as it
would provide a boost to the development of the region, help ensure
stability and make it easier for the people of the region to travel
and trade. It will help create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
There should be no further delay. The conflict is holding the region
hostage. .
- It is no secret for anyone that Azerbaijani President and Government
members are frequently making bellicose statements and saying
that war is an option for settling the NK issue. During this year
you have at least twice publicly criticised Azerbaijan for human
rights violations. Why don't you also call on Azerbaijan to stop
war propaganda?
- There can only be a negotiated solution to the conflict, and rhetoric
suggesting otherwise is unhelpful, from whichever side it comes. What
counts is progress in the talks, and the readiness on both sides to
make difficult compromises.
- European Parliament adopted a "European Neighborhood Policy
Review" Resolution this April 7. It contains an urge to develop
"informal contacts and consultations with the societies of breakaway
territories"? It is realistic to expect that European Commission is
going to follow this urge?
- Confidence building, including through people-to-people contacts,
is necessary to promote mutual understanding. The EU can help both
sides engage with each other, prepare the ground for a solution,
show the advantages of peace and of a peaceful Caucasus strongly
connected to the EU.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress