Polish Institute of International Affairs prepared report on South CaucasusJuly 2, 2009 - 02:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Polish Institute of International Affairs prepared a report on "South Caucasus: The Case for Joint Commitment of Turkey and the EU" which underlined the strategic importance of the region for the EU and Turkey, Today's Zaman reports."The South Caucasus is significant for the EU for similar reasons," the report said. In its report, the institute said the region played a crucial role in EU energy security because it contributed to the diversification not only of energy resources, but also of delivery routes. The institute said both Turkey and the EU shared similar goals of stability and security in the South Caucasus. "These include, the peaceful settlement of the "(un-) frozen" regional conflicts in South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Nagorno Karabakh; the establishment of good governance in those states whose state-building processes are still ongoing so as to assure that the region will not become a threat in the areas of international organized crime, terrorism or drug trafficking," the report said. Also, the report said the prospect for engagement in the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process appeared slightly more promising, and some sort of resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh dispute would pave the way for normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations. In the report, the institute recommended the "EU countries to differentiate between Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora." The Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM) is a foreign policy think-tank based in Warsaw, Poland. It provides unbiased research in international relations for policy makers, academics and the Polish public. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |