It is fair to say that many would like to see the EU more involved in the South Caucasus, and, in particular, more engaged in the resolution of the conflicts in the region, according to Secretary General of the European Movement International.

“However, it is also true that the EU has increased its involvement in the recent few years, through its Neighborhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership, and that many and very important steps have been taken, be it in terms of political dialogue, structural reforms, economic co-operation or freedom of mobility. These recent developments, and in particular the proposal from the Commission for negotiations on visa facilitation with Armenia and Azerbaijan, are positive developments that give hope for an even higher involvement of the EU in the region,” Mr. Diogo Pinto told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

Commenting on the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the recent regional visit of the EU, Mr. Pinto said: “The negotiated and peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is something that all those in favor of European unity and peace wish and hope for; since these are two fundamental pillars of the European Movement International, we are certainly among those. Whether the EU is ready and willing to play a more important role in the resolution of this conflict remains yet to be seen; but the actions and the statements of the EUSR for the South Caucasus certainly show the right direction, and therefore make room for some hope. One has to be realistic though: peace talks have stalled, the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides now meet more rarely, belligerent rhetoric has been stepped up, an arms race is going on, military exercises on both sides of the frontline have grown bigger and fatal shooting incidents are frequent. A negative trend is obvious, and the risk of a new war is real. I personally think that this demands a higher and more decisive involvement from the side of the EU, but it must also be made clear to all parties involved that the primary responsibility for a peaceful resolution of the conflict lies with Armenia and Azerbaijan.”