EU won't support Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku link
"During the High Level Group exercise on the definition of the extensions of Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) network to neighbouring countries and regions, the European Commission position was to support development of existing trans-national transport axes and not to create new parallel lines like the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku link, which would furthermore by-pass Armenia," European Commissioner for External Affairs and the Eurioean Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in response to MEP Ioannis Kasoulides's inquiry about EU stand on the KATB link.
As PanARMENIAN.Net came to know from the Armenian representation in the EU, Ms Ferrero-Waldner said in part, "In the final report of the Group, the Transport Corridor Europe Caucasus Asia (TRACECA) axis was retained as the main trans-national axis for Caucasus which connects all the countries in the region and does not isolate Armenia. The Commission has not changed its position since then."
"On the other hand, the Commission continues, in line with the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), to promote regional cooperation for transport in the framework of consensus among ENP partners through the establishing policy dialog under the Baku Initiative and though providing technical assistance under TRACECA programme and participation at the meetings of TRACECA Member States.
"The Commission has begun the exploratory talks with all neighbouring countries on the implementation of the main trans-national corridors retained under the High Level Group report. Concerning Caucasus countries, the exploratory talks will focus on the implementation and good functioning of the TRACECA corridor.
"The EC financial assistance provided or to be provided under the TRACECA programme, will not therefore support any operation related to the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi link. The Commission is also passing a similar message to the various financial institutions active in the region, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB)."
As PanARMENIAN.Net came to know from the Armenian representation in the EU, Ms Ferrero-Waldner said in part, "In the final report of the Group, the Transport Corridor Europe Caucasus Asia (TRACECA) axis was retained as the main trans-national axis for Caucasus which connects all the countries in the region and does not isolate Armenia. The Commission has not changed its position since then."
"On the other hand, the Commission continues, in line with the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), to promote regional cooperation for transport in the framework of consensus among ENP partners through the establishing policy dialog under the Baku Initiative and though providing technical assistance under TRACECA programme and participation at the meetings of TRACECA Member States.
"The Commission has begun the exploratory talks with all neighbouring countries on the implementation of the main trans-national corridors retained under the High Level Group report. Concerning Caucasus countries, the exploratory talks will focus on the implementation and good functioning of the TRACECA corridor.
"The EC financial assistance provided or to be provided under the TRACECA programme, will not therefore support any operation related to the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi link. The Commission is also passing a similar message to the various financial institutions active in the region, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB)."
