EU calls for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Southern Caucasus

The EU calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to send an invitation to the PACE Special Rapporteur on political prisoners, expressed its strong support for the territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders and emphasizes the need for access of its representatives to Nagorno-Karabakh. This is stated by the document adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU at the meeting held on February 27.

The document that has been received by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent from the EU Office in Azerbaijan is a recommendation.

It expresses satisfaction with "the significant progress made within the 'Eastern Partnership' and the strengthening of EU relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia." The document stresses the importance of further implementation of the commitments adopted at the summit of the 'Eastern Partnership' in Warsaw in September 2011, calls for peaceful resolution of conflicts in Southern Caucasus, and reflects assessment of the EU's cooperation with each of the countries in the region.

EU promises to keep close eye on developments of situation in Azerbaijan on eve of presidential election in 2013

The section about Azerbaijan states that the European Union calls to intensify the efforts to achieve progress in the negotiations on Association Agreement. The EU underlines the need to achieve progress on democratic reforms, rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly for freedom of expression and meetings. The EU considers it necessary to make further efforts in that direction and states that it will be closely monitoring development of the situation in Azerbaijan on the eve of the presidential election in 2013.

The EU also calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to invite the Special Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on political prisoners. Let us remind you that the Azerbaijani authorities hinder the visit of the PACE Rapporteur on political prisoners the German MP Christopher Strasser and arguing that the Rapporteur must first determine the criteria of "a political prisoner" for the entire Europe.

The statement of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council also indicates the importance of further efforts in the fight against corruption as a key to the success of all reform and modernization efforts, reminds of the importance of energy issues for the bilateral relations and welcomes the progress in the implementation of the Southern energy corridor, including negotiations between Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and the EU on the establishment of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline.

EU expresses support for Georgia's territorial integrity

The document states its strong support for the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. The EU reiterates its concern over the continued presence of Russian military troops and their infrastructure and the Russian Federation's support for the authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The EU calls on Russia to fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire agreement on August 12, 2008 and implementation of measures of the document dated September 8, 2008.

EU emphasizes need for access of its officials to region of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

The document expresses the concern about the slow progress in negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The EU continues to support the co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and recognizes the efforts of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to make progress in tripartite negotiations. The EU reiterates its support for the "Madrid principles", proposed by the co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, and calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to intensify efforts to achieve agreement on those principles as a basis for peace, the document states.

The EU's Foreign Affairs Council reminds on the commitments undertaken by the Presidents of two countries within the Minsk Group and calls for their full implementation. In this regard, the EU's Foreign Affairs Council expresses its concern about the increased tension along the contact line and emphasizes the importance of immediate actions to implement the ceasefire and take appropriate measures to build confidence.

The document states that the EU stresses the need for unconditional access of the EU's representatives to the Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent regions. The EU's Foreign Affairs Council calls on the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security and the European Commission to conduct close consultations with the OSCE and to develop post-conflict scenarios as a basis for future EU's participation.

Togrul Djuvarly: EU makes it clear that volume of its assistance depends on extent to which partner countries shares democratic values

The document adopted by the EU's Foreign Affairs Council determines the priorities of the EU's policy towards the countries of the region in the nearest future. This was stated by Togrul Djuvarly, the member of the Azerbaijan National Public Committee for European Integration (ANCEI).

"There are issues of the EU's bilateral relations with each of the countries of the region, and issues of democracy in those countries, and the manifestation of the growing attention of the European Union to resolve regional conflicts," he said.

According to Togrul Djuvarly, the document demonstrates the EU's approach to the Southern Caucasus region as one integrated territory, its interest in the reign of democratic values, and its willingness to provide the necessary assistance.