Azerbaijan, Baku, November 16 / Trend , E.Ostapenko /
Trend European desk's exclusive interview with EU Special Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby as a result of his regional visit.
Q: How was your visit today? With whom were meetings held and what issues were discussed?
A: Very significant and well-grounded talks were held with the President and Foreign Minister. In addition, I met with some political figures with whom we discussed the vital issues of Azerbaijan's foreign policy, relations with the European Union, the Eastern Partnership program, relations with neighbors, including the process of Karabakh and the Armenian-Turkish relations.
Also we touched upon energy, primarily the question of the Southern Corridor project. After the summit in Prague in May, was signed an inter-governmental agreement with Turkey in June.
Q: Are there real progress in the negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
A: We hope to continue the positive tendency that we saw over the last year. Our position is that Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Armenian-Turkish rapprochement are two different processes that should not be connected with each other. Both processes have the promotion. Armenian-Turkish settlement should take place without preconditions, because it is a process that has a positive impact on the situation in the region, including for Azerbaijan in the future.
Q: How do you see the role of European institutions in the political processes in South Caucasus?
A: We are currently implementing a new program with our neighbors - "Eastern Partnership" which will give greater opportunities to build close and deep bilateral relations to discuss issues in a regional context. The next step probably will be the adoption of the mandate on the association agreement with the countries of the South Caucasus. The mandate of these negotiations will be discussed by EU foreign ministers early next year, after which long process of negotiations will begin. Progress in these negotiations depends on the will and capabilities of each state.
Q: Will the absence of a transit agreement with Turkey affect the projects on transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe?
A: Absence of a transit agreement with Turkey is the most important question on the agenda. Resolving this issue is a joint priority for Azerbaijan and the EU. We must create conditions for the supply of gas from the Caspian region to European consumers. The most suitable route for this is a transit agreement with Turkey.
Q: Is there any progress in the dialogue of the president and opposition in Georgia? Does the opposition suggest constructive solutions or all are limited with criticism against the authorities?
A: After a visit to Georgia, I can say that the current situation is much better than the previous. Tbilisi looks much calmer than a few months ago, and this gives a reason for hope that the political situation is completely normal and a political dialogue will be held on vital issues for the country between the president and opposition.
Over the past few months, the president and the opposition had enough to learn the more concrete and substantial issues instead of confrontation on the streets, and this is encouraging.
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