February 21, 2007 - 13:02 AMT
Peter Semneby: EU tries to create trust between Karabakh and Azerbaijan
It's time to normalize ties between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh. Presently the European Union is trying to create trust between the sides, EU Envoy for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby said in Baku. In his words, the issue was discussed with the Azeri government. When touching on the statements by the OSCE MG Co-chairs that initiatives within other international organizations hamper the negotiation process Mr Semneby said the EU activities are not targeted against the OSCE Minsk Group.
He also remarked that some aspects of the last stage of negotiations on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement were promising but unfortunately proved fruitless. These include the latest meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents in Minsk and the ministerial meeting in Moscow. "These talks did not initiate any progress but I hope that time for solution will come and the European Union will make its contribution," said he.
Mr Semneby voiced opinion on Russia's position on the conflict settlement. "Russia plays a substantial role in the South Caucasus. I am hopeful that its action will coincide with its statements and goals," said he, report Azeri media.