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BAKU AND YEREVAN URGED TO END NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT
Europolitics.info
Dec 17 2012
By Lenaïc Vaudin d'Imecourt | Monday 17 December 2012
The European Union held two Cooperation Councils meetings, on 17
December, with Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling on both countries to
put an immediate end to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict that has been
opposing them despite a ceasefire signed in 1994.
"The EU reaffirmed that the status quo is unacceptable and that the
solution of this conflict remains a top priority," the Council said
in its conclusions of the 13th EU-Azerbaijan Cooperation Council. The
EU also expressed concerns over incidents on the frontlines and urged
the sides to maintain stability on the ground and to "refrain from
aggressive, belligerent statements and actions that would increase
tension".
On a more positive note, the EU expressed satisfaction with the ongoing
negotiations on an association agreement with Baku and underlined
the need to accelerate their pace. The Union welcomed the start of
negotiations for the signature of visa facilitation and readmission
agreements. The Council encouraged Azerbaijan to step up reforms in
the framework of the Eastern Partnership, in particular with regard
to the preparation and conduct of presidential elections scheduled
in October 2013.
As for Yerevan, the EU agreed the same day to the signing of a visa
facilitation agreement, which will make it easier and cheaper for
Armenian citizens to get short-stay EU visas of no more than 90 days
per period of 180 days. The agreement - by which the UK, Ireland
and Denmark are not bound - will now be transferred to the European
Parliament for its consent. It will enter into force on the first day
of the second month following the date on which the parties notify
each other that the internal procedures have been completed.
http://www.europolitics.info/external-policies/baku-and-yerevan-urged-to-end-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-art346455-44.html
Europolitics.info
Dec 17 2012
By Lenaïc Vaudin d'Imecourt | Monday 17 December 2012
The European Union held two Cooperation Councils meetings, on 17
December, with Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling on both countries to
put an immediate end to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict that has been
opposing them despite a ceasefire signed in 1994.
"The EU reaffirmed that the status quo is unacceptable and that the
solution of this conflict remains a top priority," the Council said
in its conclusions of the 13th EU-Azerbaijan Cooperation Council. The
EU also expressed concerns over incidents on the frontlines and urged
the sides to maintain stability on the ground and to "refrain from
aggressive, belligerent statements and actions that would increase
tension".
On a more positive note, the EU expressed satisfaction with the ongoing
negotiations on an association agreement with Baku and underlined
the need to accelerate their pace. The Union welcomed the start of
negotiations for the signature of visa facilitation and readmission
agreements. The Council encouraged Azerbaijan to step up reforms in
the framework of the Eastern Partnership, in particular with regard
to the preparation and conduct of presidential elections scheduled
in October 2013.
As for Yerevan, the EU agreed the same day to the signing of a visa
facilitation agreement, which will make it easier and cheaper for
Armenian citizens to get short-stay EU visas of no more than 90 days
per period of 180 days. The agreement - by which the UK, Ireland
and Denmark are not bound - will now be transferred to the European
Parliament for its consent. It will enter into force on the first day
of the second month following the date on which the parties notify
each other that the internal procedures have been completed.
http://www.europolitics.info/external-policies/baku-and-yerevan-urged-to-end-nagorno-karabakh-conflict-art346455-44.html