ICG Analyses Work EU Capable to carry Out for Settling Conflicts in South Caucasus

PanARMENIAN.Net - Presently the International Crisis Group is analyzing the work the European Union is capable to carry out for the settlement of conflicts in the South Caucasus, ICG Caucasus Project Director Sabine Freizer stated. "The EU has rendered us a grant for the implementation of the project. In this view I am going to address the European parliament and report on the EU role in the South Caucasus and the work done. Our report will be ready by mid March. It will be for the first given in Brussels, then in Baku, Yerevan and Tbilisi in early April. The report will contain a great deal of recommendation. We will try to explain what kind of contribution the EU can make in the region. We will make a wide analysis as regards the New Neighborhood Policy which in our opinion will strengthen the role of the EU in the region," she noted.



When commenting on the statements on the good possibility to settle the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Ms. Freizer noted she agrees with the OSCE MG position and added that a chance to achieve peace has really occurred though it demands greater effort. "The leaders of both states should not miss the chance to achieve peace. We think that 2006 is a very important year for the settlement of the conflict. If the opportunity isn't taken it will be much harder to do it in 2007-2008, since presidential election will be held in both countries then. Starting with this year Azerbaijan will get greater benefit from oil export. The Azerbaijani President has publicly stated that if the conflict isn't settled peacefully the major part of the income will cover the military expenses. If it happens anxiety will arouse. Besides, it would be much better of the oil income were spent on the improvement of infrastructures and the living conditions of the population." In Ms. Freizer's opinion, with getting more income from oil Azerbaijan may increase pressure upon Armenia, reported APA news agency.