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EU asks for unconditional access for EU representatives to
Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions
armradio.am
04.07.2012 15:55
`Armenia has brought so much to European history and culture - your
country's influence is familiar to all Europeans, whether or not they
have had the good fortune to visit. And I believe we have still much
to share in the future,' President of the European Council Herman Van
Rompuy said, speaking at the Armenian National Assembly.
`I have always been captivated by your country's rich and remarkable
history. As the most ancient Christian nation, you have among the most
venerable churches and monasteries in the world,' he added.
According to the President, Europe recognizes in Armenia a key partner
in promoting international peace and security, in engaging in
effective multilateralism, including for the peaceful settlement of
disputes through the United Nations or the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe.
`The ambitions we have for our relationship with Armenia will only be
achieved if they are built on peace, security and stability,' he said,
adding that `the situation in the region is a major challenge.'
`A resolution of the conflict on Nagorno-Karabakh is the key to
unlocking the region's enormous development potential and the
prosperity that it can bring. But for this to happen, much depends on
the will not just of politicians, but also of citizens, to take
difficult decisions and to work together, resisting the temptations of
populist rhetoric and entrenchment,' Mr. Rompuy said.
`Armenia is intent on deepening its relations with the European Union,
and this is something that we welcome. Your desire to bring your own
standards and norms closer to those of the European Union represents a
strategic choice for your country, which will lie at the heart of our
new Agreement.
President of the European Council stressed that `the benefits of the
Eastern Partnership cannot fully be realized without a sustained
effort to build stability between neighbors.' `The European Union will
continue to insist that Armenia and Azerbaijan step up their efforts
to reach
Agreement. The so-called Madrid Principles remain a valid basis for
peace, in accordance with the commitments made by the Presidents of
both your countries to France, Russia and the United States as
co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group. And we will continue to ask for
unconditional access for representatives of the European Union to
Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions,' he stressed.
`It was with great concern that I learnt about the recent serious
armed incidents along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan and
the line of contact. I deeply regret the loss of human life. The clock
cannot be turned back on these tragic incidents, but lessons can be
learned. The European Union calls on both sides strictly to respect
the ceasefire and exercise restraint, on the ground and in public
statements, in order to prevent a further escalation of the situation.
Threats and the use of force do not contribute to a resolution of this
persisting conflict,' Mr. Van Rompuy stated.
`The efforts of the Minsk Group and its co-chairs to seek a peaceful
resolution have our full support. Where useful, we stand ready to
provide extra assistance for confidence building measures. And once
there is a settlement agreement the EU will be ready to help
implementing it including with rehabilitation assistance,' he
stressed.
Touching upon the Armenian-Turkish relations, the President said: `The
European Union will continue to encourage both sides to remain
committed to the process of normalization of bilateral relations,
without preconditions from any side. I am deeply convinced that fully
normalizing these relations with our common neighbor and EU candidate
country would be an exceptionally positive contribution to security,
stability and cooperation in the Southern Caucasus and beyond.'
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions
armradio.am
04.07.2012 15:55
`Armenia has brought so much to European history and culture - your
country's influence is familiar to all Europeans, whether or not they
have had the good fortune to visit. And I believe we have still much
to share in the future,' President of the European Council Herman Van
Rompuy said, speaking at the Armenian National Assembly.
`I have always been captivated by your country's rich and remarkable
history. As the most ancient Christian nation, you have among the most
venerable churches and monasteries in the world,' he added.
According to the President, Europe recognizes in Armenia a key partner
in promoting international peace and security, in engaging in
effective multilateralism, including for the peaceful settlement of
disputes through the United Nations or the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe.
`The ambitions we have for our relationship with Armenia will only be
achieved if they are built on peace, security and stability,' he said,
adding that `the situation in the region is a major challenge.'
`A resolution of the conflict on Nagorno-Karabakh is the key to
unlocking the region's enormous development potential and the
prosperity that it can bring. But for this to happen, much depends on
the will not just of politicians, but also of citizens, to take
difficult decisions and to work together, resisting the temptations of
populist rhetoric and entrenchment,' Mr. Rompuy said.
`Armenia is intent on deepening its relations with the European Union,
and this is something that we welcome. Your desire to bring your own
standards and norms closer to those of the European Union represents a
strategic choice for your country, which will lie at the heart of our
new Agreement.
President of the European Council stressed that `the benefits of the
Eastern Partnership cannot fully be realized without a sustained
effort to build stability between neighbors.' `The European Union will
continue to insist that Armenia and Azerbaijan step up their efforts
to reach
Agreement. The so-called Madrid Principles remain a valid basis for
peace, in accordance with the commitments made by the Presidents of
both your countries to France, Russia and the United States as
co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group. And we will continue to ask for
unconditional access for representatives of the European Union to
Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions,' he stressed.
`It was with great concern that I learnt about the recent serious
armed incidents along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan and
the line of contact. I deeply regret the loss of human life. The clock
cannot be turned back on these tragic incidents, but lessons can be
learned. The European Union calls on both sides strictly to respect
the ceasefire and exercise restraint, on the ground and in public
statements, in order to prevent a further escalation of the situation.
Threats and the use of force do not contribute to a resolution of this
persisting conflict,' Mr. Van Rompuy stated.
`The efforts of the Minsk Group and its co-chairs to seek a peaceful
resolution have our full support. Where useful, we stand ready to
provide extra assistance for confidence building measures. And once
there is a settlement agreement the EU will be ready to help
implementing it including with rehabilitation assistance,' he
stressed.
Touching upon the Armenian-Turkish relations, the President said: `The
European Union will continue to encourage both sides to remain
committed to the process of normalization of bilateral relations,
without preconditions from any side. I am deeply convinced that fully
normalizing these relations with our common neighbor and EU candidate
country would be an exceptionally positive contribution to security,
stability and cooperation in the Southern Caucasus and beyond.'
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress