YEREVAN—The European Union will continue to ask for unconditional access for its representatives to the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and the surrounding areas, said President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy during a speech Wednesday at the Armenian National Assembly.
“The European Union will continue to insist that Armenia and Azerbaijan step up their efforts to reach Agreement. The so-called Madrid Principles remain a valid basis for peace, in accordance with the commitments made by the Presidents of both your countries to France, Russia and the United States as co-chairs of the OSCE’s Minsk Group. And we will continue to ask for unconditional access for representatives of the European Union to Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions,” stressed. Van Rompuy.
“A resolution of the conflict on Nagorno-Karabakh is the key to unlocking the region’s enormous development potential and the prosperity that it can bring. But for this to happen, much depends on the will not just of politicians, but also of citizens, to take difficult decisions and to work together, resisting the temptations of populist rhetoric and entrenchment,” added Van. Rompuy.
“Armenia is intent on deepening its relations with the European Union, and this is something that we welcome. Your desire to bring your own standards and norms closer to those of the European Union represents a strategic choice for your country, which will lie at the heart of our new Agreement.
President of the European Council stressed that “the benefits of the Eastern Partnership cannot fully be realized without a sustained effort to build stability between neighbors.”
“It was with great concern that I learned about the recent serious armed incidents along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the line of contact. I deeply regret the loss of human life. The clock cannot be turned back on these tragic incidents, but lessons can be learned. The European Union calls on both sides strictly to respect the ceasefire and exercise restraint, on the ground and in public statements, in order to prevent a further escalation of the situation. Threats and the use of force do not contribute to a resolution of this persisting conflict,” the European leader added.
“The efforts of the Minsk Group and its co-chairs to seek a peaceful resolution have our full support. Where useful, we stand ready to provide extra assistance for confidence building measures. And once there is a settlement agreement the EU will be ready to help implementing it including with rehabilitation assistance,” he emphasized.
The European leader also addressed the issue of normalization of Armenia’s relations with Turkey.
“The European Union will continue to encourage both sides to remain committed to the process of normalization of bilateral relations, without preconditions from any side. I am deeply convinced that fully normalizing these relations with our common neighbor and EU candidate country would be an exceptionally positive contribution to security, stability and cooperation in the Southern Caucasus and beyond,” he said.
During his visit Van Rampuy also visited the Dzidzernagapert Memorial Monument and laid a wreath in memory of the Armenian Genocide victims.
The EU should lecture Turkey first before Armenia and the Germans should pay reparations for their role in the Armenian Genocide as accessories to the crime.
Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and return of Western Armenia to Armenians is a must factor for normalization of relations with Turkey. Armenians want their lands back.
As far as Azerbaijan is concerned the heroic people of Artsakh have liberated their lands from the aggresors and there are other lands in question to discuss.
Armenians will not give up their land or any part of it to kissy kissy with Turkey. You can take your protocals and burry it wherever you want.
So far Turks French kissing EU for forgiveness of Armenian Genocide!!
how about unconditional access to the armenian cemetary of julfa?
Sounds like they want Armenia to surrender Karabagh so they can easily access Caspian energy.
These are the same Europeans who believe Abkhazia and Ossetia are still part of Georgia and that Karabagh should be autonomous under Azeri rule. What a joke!
how about unconditional access to the western Armenia?
This is another political maneuver orchestrated by Turkey to fool Armenia, especially diaspora Armenians, for year 2015!!
Diplomats have to seek higher education in diplomacy. On the table for the resolution of the political issues in the Caucasus should sit the major decision makers during the shameful WW1, namely the following great powers along with the challenged powers: France, Great Britain, Germany, Russia, plus Turkey, Armenia, Georgia and perhaps Azerbaijan. Governments as they exist presently do not have a large enough odd number fingers to seek hiding behind them. The age of laughing at people and nations may be doomed. The time will come when EU will generate enough momentum to implement decisions adopted in majority.
Why does von rompuy wants uninhindered access to Karabakh ? What did Rompuy achieve with his visit ? or what did Armenia achieve by hosting a politburo head of the EU. It is a good thing that he was taken to the martyrs shrine. What was the meat from this visit ?