News.Az reprints an exclusive interview by Mediamax news agency with European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek.
Q: Mr Buzek, what is your assessment of the democratization process in Armenia and will you raise the dialogue between the authorities and the opposition during your meetings in Armenia?
A: Armenia is an important neighbour to the European Union and also a key actor in the South Caucasus region. We try to develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries, aiming to establish an area of prosperity and neighbourliness. Relations are founded on the values of the Union and characterized by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation. This is why it is important to have dialogue and to support the establishment of true, real democracy in your country. The European Parliament has repeatedly encouraged Armenia to pursue the necessary reforms to improve transparency, democracy, the judiciary and respect for human rights. I'll address all these subjects during my visit to your country. I know that this is not easy. My own country [Poland - Mediamax] experienced this 20 years ago. But we have succeeded so I know it is possible. This exchange of views will help better understand the ongoing processes and the problems existing in the region and will contribute to strengthening political relations.
Q: At the joint news conference with Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan on 16 March in Brussels, you said: “We are worried about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and will do everything possible so that peace is secured in this region.” In this context, what is your assessment of the militaristic rhetoric, which is voiced in Azerbaijan every day?
A: I am concerned that the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is the main threat to regional security and stability. All parties should seek a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as soon as possible on the basis of international law. Real efforts are needed to pave the way for a lasting peace and provocative policies and rhetoric, inflammatory statements and manipulation of history should be avoided by both sides. I encourage a mutually satisfactory solution which serves the interests of all.
Q: How would you comment on the European Neighbourhood Policy Review resolution as whole, approved by the European Parliament on 7 April 2011, and on Item 49 of that document in particular, which calls for the development of confidence-building measures and programs and of “informal contacts and consultations with the societies of the breakaway territories”? How is it planned to implement this initiative?
A: We should never forget the basic needs of the common people, wherever they are living. Promoting people-to-people contacts, easing trade and travel conditions, extending a helping hand rather than creating new walls has always been the policy of the European Parliament We recently called the high representative and the European External Action Service to develop more confidence-building measures and programmes for the area. I trust she [High Representative Catherine Ashton - Mediamax] will take the most appropriates measure to implement our demands. We would like to prepare public opinion to accept and fully understand the benefits of a comprehensive settlement. It is important to bring people together and to make them re-learn their history together. Hopefully then the breakaway territories will transform from being a place symbolizing division to a place of cooperation and dialogue.
Q: European Commissioner Štefan Füle expressed hope in a recent interview to our agency that “after upcoming elections in Turkey, new opportunities may appear to continue the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey”. Do you believe that such prospects really exist and can the European Parliament help the sides anyway?
A: Armenian-Turkish rapprochement is crucial for regional stability and security. We regret the stalling of the ratification of the Armenian-Turkish protocols on normalization of bilateral relations. The ratification should be pursued by both sides without preconditions. EURONEST can help in establishing dialogue between the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The European Parliament's main tool to achieve mutually satisfactory solutions is dialogue. We want to bring together parliamentarians from both countries, and establish dialogue.
Q: The first session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly took place on 3 May in Brussels. What is your assessment of the prospects for cooperation in this format, and what can the sides gain from this cooperation?
A: Firstly, we are very grateful for Armenia's constructive approach to the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly. Our aim is to help build vibrant democracies, free market economies and foster the rule of law. This is a forum of the people, by the people and for the people. Closer ties among our parliaments will give additional legitimacy to actions taken by governments in the framework of the Eastern Partnership. I would like to thank my colleagues from the parliaments of the partner countries for expressing their determination for this new project to bear fruit. EURONEST must bring tangible results for the citizens. Its success is in our hands.
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