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Peter Semneby: â€œNobody doubts the occupied territories belong to Azerbaijanâ€

06 April 2009 17:47 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Lachin Sultanova â€“ APA. Within the framework of his visit to Baku, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby held a press conference on the outcomes of his visit. The diplomat noted his visit was realized on the eve of the adoption of Eastern Partnership program, APA reports. According to him, regional issues, relations with Russia, regulation of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, rule of law, development of democracy, freedom of media and other issues of primary importance were in the focus of attention at the meetings he held in Azerbaijan.

Semneby noted that Azerbaijan-Georgia relations had also been discussed at the meetings. He said Azerbaijan played great role in the restoration of stability in Georgia.

The diplomat stated that they had discussed various aspects of the EU-Azerbaijan relations and added that President Ilham Aliyev was expected to pay a visit to Brussels in late of April.

Further, Semneby answered the questions of press representatives and expressed his concern over the arrest of several journalists in Azerbaijan. Answering the question about the broadcast of foreign radio stations in Azerbaijan, the diplomat said: â€œPluralism is a value, imposing restriction on pluralism decreases itâ€.

Taking a stance on the opening of Turkey-Armenia borders, the special representative said EU was aware of the negotiations between the two countries and the possibility of the opening of borders.

â€œIt is difficult for me to say how it will influence Nagorno Karabakh conflict. But the European Union wants the borders to be opened in the South Caucasus,â€ he said.
To the question â€œWhy donâ€™t you exert pressure on Armenia for releasing the occupied Azerbaijani territories, at least for the initial stage, the regions around Nagorno Karabakh?â€ the diplomat said:
â€œNobody doubts that these lands belong to Azerbaijan. The European Union does not deal with the solution to this conflict directly, but supports the efforts of OSCE Minsk Group. The settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict is a priority, way of solution should be found, the conflict can not remain in the current state, it poses threat to the security of the region and the European Union. The results of the war in Georgia had influence on the European Union,â€ he said.