TBILISI DECLARATION
15-08-2012 11:23:32 | Georgia | Politics
On August 11-12, 2012, the representatives of the European Movements
of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, together with the European
Movement International, met in Tbilisi, Georgia. After having jointly
analysed the situation of the South Caucasus region and the ways in
which the prevalent conflicts, especially Nagorno Karabakh, negatively
affect its populations and states, they have agreed to work together
towards a shared vision of their common future.
The organisations of the European Movement in Armenia, Azerbaijan and
Georgia reaffirm their belief that the peaceful resolution of such
conflicts is the only acceptable path and thus call on the authorities
to put all the necessary efforts into peace building. They recognise
the economic, social and political problems caused by the existing
conflicts on every side of the dividing lines, and the need for all
sides to withdraw from the current rhetoric that leads to hatred; and
are firmly convinced that the peaceful resolution of the conflicts
would contribute in tackling the current democratic shortcomings and
improve the situation of human rights in the entire region.
The European Movement has peace at the core of its founding values and
objectives. Although it recognizes its limitations as a civil society
actor, it is also willing to live up to its responsibilities towards
the development of an ever united Europe, based on the fundamental
principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Therefore, because the South Caucasus states are an integral part of
Europe, the European Movements in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia,
with the support of the European Movement International, have agreed
to:
ï - place peace in the region as the main priority for their work in
favour of the European integration of their countries;
ï - develop together a shared vision for the future of the region in the
European context;
ï - work on concrete confidence building measures, involving citizens
and civil society organisations of the region.
More specifically, the organisations of the European Movement have
agreed to continue this dialogue with a follow up meeting in Baku,
Azerbaijan, this upcoming November. They have also agreed to jointly
promote people-to-people exchange, thus contributing to a better
mutual understanding. Last but not least, the European Movement
organisations of the South Caucasus have decided to jointly develop
projects aimed at promoting friendship and peace in the region, such
as an internet-based video channel called `Peace TV,' a joint
electronic newsletter and visually impacting actions which cross the
border lines.
The European Movement understands the complexity and sensitivity of
the existing conflicts, and is aware of the difficulties and obstacles
that it will face in the journey that it will now initiate. At the
same time, the European Movement's organisations in Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia believe that standing and working together is
the best way to face these obstacles and the approach most likely to
be successful; they invite all interested EMI Members to support their
efforts, and to exert pressure over the EU institutions to show deeper
commitment and engage more decisively in the peaceful resolution of
the conflicts.
Tbilisi, 12 August 2012
- Politics
News from Armenia and Diaspora - Noyan Tapan
15-08-2012 11:23:32 | Georgia | Politics
On August 11-12, 2012, the representatives of the European Movements
of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, together with the European
Movement International, met in Tbilisi, Georgia. After having jointly
analysed the situation of the South Caucasus region and the ways in
which the prevalent conflicts, especially Nagorno Karabakh, negatively
affect its populations and states, they have agreed to work together
towards a shared vision of their common future.
The organisations of the European Movement in Armenia, Azerbaijan and
Georgia reaffirm their belief that the peaceful resolution of such
conflicts is the only acceptable path and thus call on the authorities
to put all the necessary efforts into peace building. They recognise
the economic, social and political problems caused by the existing
conflicts on every side of the dividing lines, and the need for all
sides to withdraw from the current rhetoric that leads to hatred; and
are firmly convinced that the peaceful resolution of the conflicts
would contribute in tackling the current democratic shortcomings and
improve the situation of human rights in the entire region.
The European Movement has peace at the core of its founding values and
objectives. Although it recognizes its limitations as a civil society
actor, it is also willing to live up to its responsibilities towards
the development of an ever united Europe, based on the fundamental
principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Therefore, because the South Caucasus states are an integral part of
Europe, the European Movements in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia,
with the support of the European Movement International, have agreed
to:
ï - place peace in the region as the main priority for their work in
favour of the European integration of their countries;
ï - develop together a shared vision for the future of the region in the
European context;
ï - work on concrete confidence building measures, involving citizens
and civil society organisations of the region.
More specifically, the organisations of the European Movement have
agreed to continue this dialogue with a follow up meeting in Baku,
Azerbaijan, this upcoming November. They have also agreed to jointly
promote people-to-people exchange, thus contributing to a better
mutual understanding. Last but not least, the European Movement
organisations of the South Caucasus have decided to jointly develop
projects aimed at promoting friendship and peace in the region, such
as an internet-based video channel called `Peace TV,' a joint
electronic newsletter and visually impacting actions which cross the
border lines.
The European Movement understands the complexity and sensitivity of
the existing conflicts, and is aware of the difficulties and obstacles
that it will face in the journey that it will now initiate. At the
same time, the European Movement's organisations in Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia believe that standing and working together is
the best way to face these obstacles and the approach most likely to
be successful; they invite all interested EMI Members to support their
efforts, and to exert pressure over the EU institutions to show deeper
commitment and engage more decisively in the peaceful resolution of
the conflicts.
Tbilisi, 12 August 2012
- Politics
News from Armenia and Diaspora - Noyan Tapan