Brussels, 06/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On a visit to the Southern Caucasus, the European Troika pointed to its demands on democracy and stability. These countries are essential partners in providing energy to the EU and participate in the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), in which human rights and democratisation are key elements, as pointed out by the EU Troika. In the spring, the Commission will assess the progress accomplished by each country involved in the ENP.
In Azerbaijan: the first step of the round, the Slovenian minister for foreign affairs, Dimitrij Rupel said on Monday 4 February that the presidential elections planned for the end of the year will be, “an opportunity to demonstrate the attachment of Azerbaijan to European values and to further cooperation with the European Union”. The Commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, encouraged countries to take part in the Nabucco pipeline project for transporting gas from the Middle East and Central Asia to Europe. Georgia: where the Troika met president Mikhaïl Saakachvili on 5 February (re-elected at the beginning of January) will now have to focus on reforms and democratisation. It is particularly important to open up political dialogue with the opposition, particularly as part of the preparation for parliamentary elections planned for next spring and to reform the legal and prison systems and strengthen minority rights. Armenia: discussions on Wednesday 6 February focused on human rights, media freedom and the next presidential elections on 19 February. The EU has concerns about Nagorny Karabakh (Azerbaijani enclave with an Armenian majority) and appealed for a diplomatic solution to the conflict, which requires political courage. (A.B.)