Brussels, 16/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) through action plans, energy and respect for human rights and democratic principles figured at the centre of the work of the three EU Association Councils on Tuesday in Luxembourg.
Georgia. The Georgian action plan for implementing the ENP was adopted in November 2006. Since then the EU is pleased to announce in the conclusions adopted on Tuesday that “substantial progress” was made in economic reform. On the other hand, the human rights situation leaves a lot to be desired, notably the prisons, even if some progress has recently been noted. The EU is also concerned by the recent internal political developments: serious accusations have been made by a former defence minister against president Saakashvili. This minister was arrested just after announcing the formation of a new opposition political faction. The EU is launching an appeal to political leaders in the country to act responsibly and in keeping with democratic principles. The next general and presidential elections, planned for autumn 2008 will be closely followed by the EU, which is calling on Georgia to respect its commitments as a member of the Council of Europe. In an economic context, the EU welcomed the fact that the Georgian economy has good economic performances in spite of trade restrictions imposed by Russia. Overall the EU regrets that the relations between Georgian and Russia have deteriorated over recent months. In a preparatory document for the Tuesday meeting the EU underlines that, “the repetition of incidents between Georgia and Russia is a matter of serious concern”. However, the EU welcomes the restraint shown by Georgia. The EU said that it is “deeply concerned” by the tensions in Abkhazia and Southern Ossetia.
Azerbaijan. The two sides examined the implementation of the ENP action plan adopted in November 2006. The EU said on Tuesday that the “situation remains unsatisfactory” regarding human rights. It also expressed its “growing concerns” about the situation of the media in the country, referring to the violence and arbitrary detention of journalists. The EU also underlined the importance it attaches to the abolition of torture; this remains a subject of concern given the “reports of torture and ill-treatment in detention facilities”. The EU asked for the presidential elections planned for autumn 2008 to comply with international standards and the commitments of the country made as a member of the Council of Europe. In energy policy, the EU highlighted the importance of “transparent management of oil and gas resources in the years to come”. The Union would also like revenue from oil in the country to be used to help general development and diversification of the economy, “including by addressing the poverty problem”. The two parties also signed an additional protocol to the EU/Azerbaijan partnership and cooperation agreement on Tuesday, “extending the provisions of the PCA to bilateral trade in textiles, taking account of the expiry of the bilateral textiles agreement”.
Armenia. The ENP action plan was approved in November 2006. The EU is happy with progress in macroeconomic reform, reform of the police and judicial system, and anti-corruption. The EU notes in a preparatory document for the meeting that after only a year, the result of implementation of the ENP action plan were already visible. The EU is pleased that the last general elections were carried out in conformity with international standards and calls for international standards to also be applied to the presidential elections next year. On energy policy, the EU again called for closure of the nuclear power plant at Medzamor, describing it as being located in 'a highly seismic zone'. The power plant cannot be updated. The EU is concerned about the Armenian authorities' plans for the plant so stay open until 2016. (H.B.)