Zdzislaw Raczynski: Poland neutral on Karabakh issue

PanARMENIAN.Net - Poland has assumed a neutral stance on Karabakh issue, supporting peaceful settlement of the conflict based on the principles of people’s right to self determination and territorial integrity, Polish Ambassador to Armenia Zdzislaw Raczynski stated.

As the Ambassador told a news conference in Yerevan, all three principles cited should be considered; conflict-related issues should be discussed by all parties: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh.

“The EU isn’t directly involved in conflict settlement, but will still play an important role in the process through financial assistance and peacekeeping forces. To attract foreign investors, South Caucasus countries must stabilize by normalizing relations.”

“Fast settlement of the conflict is impossible without participation of people involved in it,” Polish diplomat stated.

Dwelling on NKR parliamentary elections, Ambassador Raczynski stressed that EU recognition of election would spell de jure recognition of Karabakh as a state. “International community’s resolution can’t legalize something other states disagree with.”

Giving assessment to Armenia-Poland relations, the Ambassador characterized them as friendly, noting Yerevan –Warsaw direct flights in July 2010 will help development of bilateral relations.

Commenting on installation of U.S. missile systems in Poland, he stated the presence of effective missile-defense systems in the country will promote its safety.

Assessing the possibility of Turkey’s joining the EU, the Ambassador stressed Poland’s is positive about Ankara’s aspiration to join the European family. “Still, Turkey has to fulfill requirements and carry out necessary reforms to meet European standards. Presently, Turkey is not ready to join the EU,” the diplomat said.