EP rules out resolution of Karabakh conflict by use of force

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Parliament resolution on a more effective EU Policy for the South Caucasus passed on January 17, 2008 with several paragraphs referring to specifically Armenia and the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.



The resolution refers extensively to the need to resolve regional conflicts as well as transport and energy issues, and economic cooperation, the RA MFA press office reported.



The resolution affirms that "a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict - a conflict which exacerbates relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan - and of Georgia's internal conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, is essential for stability in the EU neighborhood, as well as for the economic and social development of the South Caucasus region."



Referring to the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the resolution states that "the project bypasses the existing and fully operative rail line in Armenia; urges the South Caucasus republics and Turkey to pursue effectively policies of regional economic integration and to refrain from any short-sighted and politically motivated regional energy and transportation projects which violate ENP principles of sound development."



Further, regarding the Nagorno Karabakh conflict specifically, the European Parliament "notes that the contradiction between the principles of self-determination and territorial integrity contributes to the perpetuation of the unresolved post-Soviet conflicts in the South Caucasus region; considers that this problem can be overcome only through negotiations."



Finally, the Parliament "calls on key actors in the region to play a constructive role in resolving unresolved post-Soviet conflicts in the region and to take steps to normalize its relations with neighbors; reiterates its call upon Turkey to engage in serious and intensive efforts for the resolution of outstanding disputes with all its neighbors, in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and other relevant international conventions, and including a frank and open discussion on past events; reiterates its call on the Turkish and Armenian Governments to start the process of reconciliation for the present and the past, and calls on the Commission to facilitate this process while taking advantage of the regional cooperation realized within the ENP and Black Sea Synergy policy; calls on the Commission and the Council to address the opening of the Turkish border with Armenia with the authorities of those two countries."