TO REFRAIN FROM PROVOCATION AND USE OF FORCE

-Baku has spoken in favor of enhancing the role of the EU role in the Karabakh settlement and the presence of its envoy in the Minsk Group in the future. How can you assess this initiative?

-This position only means that in the eyes of Baku the EU is indeed the reliable partner and the positive example we strive to be in the region. The EU is engaging actively in the Eastern Partnership countries and we have developed a good cooperation, especially during the last years with the negotiations on the new Association and DCFTA Agreements. The European Union is a unique example for democracy and common values, also shared with our neighbours. Hopefully, Azerbaijan sees the EU position in this conflict as a stable and firm determination to contribute to the resolution in a constructive manner to the benefit of the people.

-What is the reason for this position and what may be reaction of Brussels to this proposal?

 The EU clearly shares that interest. We already have the appropriate instrument for a deeper engagement - Lady Ashton has appointed Mr Philippe Lefort EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia. His mandate is very much focused on the contribution to a peaceful settlement of conflicts in the region, including the crisis in Georgia and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Working in accordance with the OSCE Minsk Group for the prevention of conflicts in the region, among the EUSR's priorities are to develop contacts with governments, parliaments, other key political actors, the judiciary and civil society in the region; encouraging the countries in the region to cooperate on regional themes of common interest, such as common security threats, the fight against terrorism, illicit trafficking and organised crime; to support further cooperation between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia; and to enhance the Union’s effectiveness and visibility in the region, precisely linked to the importance the EU attaches to the close relations with those countries. His mandate ends on 30 June 2013 and I am convinced that the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission Catherine Ashton will make a well-assessed proposal as regards prolongation.

-The EU has expressed last year its wish to be involved in the settlement process by confidence building measures and other initiatives. How would you estimate the work done by Brussels during this year and what could be done in the nearest future?

- Indeed, confidence building and resolution by way of diplomacy in the only way forward. Contacts are being deepened on all level, many EU funded projects have been implemented in the region and we hope to continue on the right path. The EUSR has our firm support and the expertise to continue with his efforts to contribute to the mutually acceptable peaceful settlement.

-What can you say about Eastern Partnership Program as tool to move the peace process forward?

The Eastern Partnership Initiative has developed into a comprehensive policy towards our partner countries. It came as a response to the obvious need for the EU to deepen the cooperation with its immediate neighbours and to contribute to the process of reforms, stabilisation and conflict settlement in the region. Just a few years later, we have very good relations, frequent contacts on all levels and we have advanced rapidly in the negotiations on the Association Agreements with several countries, which I am sure will be properly assessed at the Vilnius Eastern Partnership Summit in November this year. I believe the overall good relation of each of the countries with the EU helps create a favourable atmosphere between the countries themselves and between the parties to the conflict. I would underline especially the work of the Civil Society Forum, which brings together representatives of the non-governmental sector and promotes confidence between the people.

-What kind of role may contacts between Azerbaijani and Armenian Parliamentarians in the frame of EuroNest, providing by EU, play in making conflict sides closer to each other?

 -The EURONEST PA is a good example for a working cooperation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the other members of our Assembly. After the first two difficult years, we are finally on the right path and the debates in committees and in the plenary are less emotional and more goal-oriented, less provocative and more constructive. I would like to point out that the Working Group on Rules of Procedures is the first official body that Armenia and Azerbaijan co-chair together and so far the work of the WG has been extremely productive.

-Should we expect any provocations in the conflict zone (including launch of a new airport in Karabakh) that may increase tensions in the region in months to come? And is there something the EU could do to prevent escalation?

As regards the airport, it is my opinion that this issue would not contribute to the confidence building between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I would like to join the call issued by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs and reiterated by the EU HR/VP Catherine Ashton to both sides to reject any threat or use of force against civil aircrafts, to pursue the matter through diplomatic steps and refrain from further politicising the issue. Incidents like the recent ones on the line of contact should be prevented and I would like to encourage the parties involved to use the opportunity of the upcoming visit of the Minsk Group Co-chairs to the region later this month to consider concrete ideas how to strengthen the ceasefire and work on the next steps towards peaceful resolution of the conflict.