The war in Georgia, followed by tragedy and practical problems, has improved ties between the South Caucasus and EU, EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus Peter Semneby said.
"After the war it became apparent to many in the EU that South Caucasus security issues have a direct impact on the organization. The EU has no choice but to establish clearer relationships with countries in the region both on a bilateral basis and by stimulating regional cooperation," Semneby said in an interview with Mediamax.
Semneby's remarks reflect the basis for establishing the Eastern Partnership involving the South Caucasus, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus, he said.
Large-scale military operations were launched in South Ossetia on the night of Aug. 8.
Georgian troops entered Tskhinvali. Later Russian troops seized the town and drove Georgian troops back to Georgia. In late August, Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. As a result, Tbilisi proclaimed the two South Caucasus republics as occupied territories.
On Dec. 4, the European Commission backed an initiative by Poland and Switzerland to advance the EU Eastern Partnership policy, which promotes closer cooperation with 6 former Soviet countries. The so-called Eastern Partnership, with the status of a multinational forum, will include 27 EU countries, as well as Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan.
The organization will host talks on a visa-free system, free trade zones and strategic accords and implement small student exchange, environmental protection and energy supply projects.
"The EU and its partners have not fully taken advantage of the opportunities provided by the policy. But the outlook is positive," Semneby said.
The Eastern Partnership provides for stronger bilateral ties with the EU and wider regional cooperation.
Bilateral ties provide for stronger political commitments under an associated agreement, he said.
"I mean commitment to free trade, promoting freedom of movement and more advanced cooperation on many fronts," Semneby said.
The regional component will comprise platforms of cooperation in several areas to meet the joint interests of neighboring countries, he said.
"A high differentiation level will be maintained depending on the desires and capacities of concrete countries," he said.
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