Anna Fotyga:

Poland ready to assist Armenia within European Neighborhood Policy

PanARMENIAN.Net - Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Poland have counted 15 years. During this time Poland joined the European Union and NATO and enjoys close contacts with the South Caucasian states, which are included into the European Neighborhood Policy program. Poland's Foreign Minister Anna Fotyga comments to PanARMENIAN.Net on the prospects of the Armenian-Polish relations and cooperation within European structures.
How do you assess the current stage of the Armenian-Polish relations?

In the course of 15 years that passed since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both Poland and Armenia have endured events that changed political life of the states. After 1989 Poland focused on cooperation with the EU and NATO. It was a hard period but we have surmounted it. Poland's stance in the European Union implies energy policy and security and closer cooperation with the European structures for reformation of the Polish political system.

Armenia is forming a state and experiencing hard times now. Our countries managed to build a rational legal basis for cementing bilateral relations. Both understand that ties in political, economic and cultural fields should be deepened. Slight but sustainable growth of commodity turnover is observed presently. I would also like to mention that we are united by a new Diaspora in the EU and U.S. I mean not only the Armenian Diaspora, which plays a substantial role in the public and political life of our state, but also the Polish one. Our Diasporas are successfully contacting in the U.S. and EU. Poland is a friendly and hospitable state; our legislation is not so strict as in other EU member states. However, our capabilities are still limited. We cannot ensure perfect living conditions for immigrants and the problem of unemployment is pressing. We attach big importance to development of cultural ties between Poland and Armenia, since it will lead complete mutual understanding between our peoples.

Can you comment on Poland's stance on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement?

Poland stands for a resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group exclusively. Our state enjoys balanced relations with the parties to the conflict and is ready to engage in settlement talks. It's important for Poland to be a constructive factor in the settlement of frozen conflicts. However, we will join the process by request of the conflicting sides only. Soonest settlement of the Karabakh conflict in the framework of the OSCE MG will promote establishment of stability and security in the South Caucasus.

Poland in an EU member state? What's your outlook for cooperation with Armenia in the framework of the EU-Armenia Action Plan?

Poland is ready to assist Armenia in the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy. We have mastered the way to the European Union and we are ready to share our experience with Armenia. A memorandum on cooperation was signed in Yerevan. Contacts should be established at various levels, including public, economic and cultural ties. The Action Plan within the European Neighborhood Policy is an important basis for multilateral relations. You also face a complex process, which took us 12 years. We would like our eastern partners to pass this way faster. I do understand that adaptation to the universal market is a hard task but it's essential for the further development of your state.

Poland is a NATO member state as well. Which are the on advantages of this membership?

The purpose of NATO programs is to bring the armed forces to conformity with international standards. The Polish armed forces are in the process of modernization which will take several more years. We also attach importance to the joint peacekeeping mission in Iraq and eye it as a political act. Polish military in Iraq serve in real battle surroundings, what improves the level of combat training.

Great attention is paid to energy security presently. Would you comment on the issue?

Energy has become a political tool which is used by many states. It doesn't refer to Russia only. The current policy of "mature" EU member states is to be somehow independent from Russia's gas. It doesn't mean that we refuse from the Russian pipeline. A transit state has a number of advantages. As to diversification of energy resources, Poland proceeded to application of technologies of production and export of coal. We also intend to develop nuclear energy. The energy issues are very serious and Poland is ready to hold talks with all partners for ensuring security priorities.

In one of your interviews you said, "Azerbaijan is the economic leader of the region." Is it really so?

An objective criterion should be derived taking into account the volume of economic growth. However that may be in future, presently the facts are as follows: the growth rate in Azerbaijan is the highest in the region. The same refers to Russia. Nevertheless, other principles should also be considered. It's a complex phenomenon. Economic growth of some 10 per cent is optimal and safe for the states experiencing transformation.

Would you comment on Poland's stance on Turkey?

Poland supports Turkey's bid for the European Union. It will be beneficial for the region and will have a positive impact on the Armenian-Turkish relations. However, Turkey faces a long process. This state has to confirm adherence to European values first of all. Poland enjoys good relations with Turkey and used to be its strategic partner once. After a serious political discussion we concluded that we should support this state. I would also like to note that Poland was ready to mediate for normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations. We enjoy close historical ties with both countries, but it's a special case. I am convinced that Yerevan and Ankara will reconcile sooner or later. We can help if Armenia and Turkey request our mediation.
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