EXTACTS EU Documents on NKR 1. A more effective EU policy for the South Caucasus European Parliament resolution of 17 January 2008 on a more effective EU policy for the South Caucasus: from promises to actions (2007/2076(INI)) 29. Considers that finding a peaceful solution to the unresolved post-Soviet conflicts is the key to achieving political stability and economic development in the South Caucasus, as well as in an extended regional context; underlines the fact that the EU has an important role to play in contributing to the culture of dialogue and understanding in the region and in ensuring the implementation of the above-mentioned UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000); advocates the use of cross-border programmes and dialogue among civil societies as tools for conflict transformation and confidence-building across the division lines; welcomes especially the Commission's efforts to give aid and spread information to Abkhazia and South Ossetia; supports the initiative by the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Mr Peter Semneby, to open Information Offices in both regions; asks the Commission and Mr. Semneby to extend the same kind of aid and information dissemination to Nagorno-Karabakh; 31. Notes that the contradiction between the principles of self-determination and territorial integrity contributes to the perpetuation of the unresolved post-Soviet conflicts in the South Caucasus region; considers that this problem can be overcome only through negotiations on the basis of the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and in the Helsinki Final Act and within the framework of regional integration; notes that this process cannot take place without the support of the international community, and calls upon the EU to initiate measures to that end; considers, moreover, that the improvement in inter-ethnic relations, on the basis of European standards, and the enhancement of minorities' rights in such a way as to strengthen the civic cohesion of the states in the South Caucasus are essential in bringing about a negotiated solution to the conflicts in the region; 33. Takes the view that further delay in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will not benefit either of the sides involved but will jeopardise regional stability and hamper regional and economic progress; reiterates its respect and support for the territorial integrity and internationally recognised borders of Azerbaijan, as well as for the right to self-determination, in accordance with the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act; urgently calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to seize any opportunities for the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; reiterates its strong support for the OSCE Minsk Group but regrets the lack of any substantial progress in the negotiations; calls on the parties to apply the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in particular allowing the return to their homes in safety and dignity of all refugees and IDPs; warns against any militant and provocative rhetoric that could undermine the negotiation process; 37. Calls on key actors in the region to play a constructive role in resolving unresolved post-Soviet conflicts in the region and to take steps to normalise its relations with neighbours; reiterates its call upon Turkey to engage in serious and intensive efforts for the resolution of outstanding disputes with all its neighbours, in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and other relevant international conventions, and including a frank and open discussion on past events; reiterates its call on the Turkish and Armenian Governments to start the process of reconciliation for the present and the past, and calls on the Commission to facilitate this process while taking advantage of the regional cooperation realised within the ENP and Black Sea Synergy policy; calls on the Commission and the Council to address the opening of the Turkish border with Armenia with the authorities of those two countries; 2. European neighbourhood and partnership Instrument Country strategy paper 2007-2013 Armenia Cooperation for the settlement of the conflict over Nagorno Karabagh The EC will continue its engagement in support of a peaceful settlement of the conflict over Nagorno Karabagh. This involves in the first place supporting efforts of the EUSR and the OSCE Minsk Group, but also to encourage people to people contacts, to actively involve civil society in peaceful conflict solution efforts and to support humanitarian and de-mining initiatives. Depending on developments regarding the peaceful settlement of the conflict over Nagorno Karabagh, the EC will provide specific assistance related to all aspects of peaceful conflict settlement and settlement consolidation. Under the appropriate financial instrument, the EC could also provide support for confidence-building initiatives in the South Caucasus region. Azerbaijan Cooperation for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict The EC will continue its current strong commitment to supporting a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. This involves, amongst other activities, continuing support for civil society and the promotion of democratic values and respect for human rights throughout Azerbaijan. If the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is settled within the timeframe of the present CSP, the EC will provide further specific assistance to help consolidate the settlement, including the reconstruction and rehabilitation of conflict areas, the return to conflict areas of Azerbaijani IDPs and refugees and the elimination of the excessive accumulation of conventional weapons such as SALW (small arms and light weapons) and ERW (explosive remnants of war, including landmines). Under the appropriate financial instrument, the EC could also provide support for confidence-building initiatives in the South Caucasus region. 3. European neighbourhood policy Strategy paper Brussels, 12.5.2004 COM(2004) 373 final Communication from the commission Southern Caucasus The European Union has a strong interest in the stability and development of the Southern Caucasus. The European Security Strategy, adopted by the European Council in December 2003, clearly identifies the South Caucasus as one of the regions, in which the EU should take a “stronger and more active interest”. The European Commission, in consultation with the High Representative and taking account of the proposals of the EU Special Representative as well as the view expressed by the European Parliament9, recommends that a decision be taken by the Council to include Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in the European Neighbourhood Policy. 4. EU/Armenia ENP Action plan 2. New partnership perspectives - Continuing strong EU commitment to support the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, drawing on the instruments at the EU’s disposal, and in close consultation with the OSCE. The EU is ready to consider ways to strengthen further its engagement in conflict resolution and post conflict rehabilitation; Priority area 7: Contribute to a peaceful solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; Specific actions: - Increase diplomatic efforts, including through the EUSR, and continue to support a peaceful solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; - Increase political support to the OSCE Minsk Group conflict settlement efforts on the basis of international norms and principles, including the principle of self-determination of peoples; - Encourage people to people contacts ; - Intensify the EU dialogue with the parties concerned with a view to the acceleration of the negotiations towards a political settlement; 4.2 Contribute to a peaceful solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict Promote sustained efforts towards the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict - Increase political support to the OSCE Minsk Group conflict settlement efforts on the basis of international norms and principles, including the principle of self-determination of peoples; - Explore possibilities to provide EU support for humanitarian and de-mining initiatives - Promote measures to assist refugees and IDPs; - Promote the active involvement of civil society; - Reinforce the cooperation on these and other matters in support of conflict resolution with the EU Special Representative for the Southern Caucasus; 5. European Parliament resolution of 7 July 1988 in Soviet Armenia (OJ C 235 E 12 9 1988, p106) : “Having regard to the historic status of the autonomous region of Nagorno Karabakh (80% of whose present population is Armenian) as part of Armenia, to the arbitrary inclusion of this area within Azerbaijan in 1923 and to the massacre of Armenians in the Azerbaijani town of Sumgaït in 1988, 2. Supports the demand of the Armenian minority for reunification with the Socialist Republic of Armenia; 3. Calls also upon the Soviet authorities to ensure the safety of the 500,000 Armenians currently living in Soviet Azerbaijan and to ensure that those found guilty of having incited or taking part in the pogroms against the Armenians are punished according to Soviet law;” 6. Cultural heritage in Azerbaijan PE 369.572 European Parliament resolution on cultural heritage in Azerbaijan 1. Condemns strongly the destruction of the Djulfa cemetery. 7. European Parliament resolution of 15 November 2007 on strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy (2007/2088(INI)) 38. Welcomes the assistance afforded under the ENPI to confidence-building measures in Georgia and its breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia; asks the Commission to explore the possibility of providing assistance, in the form of local confidence-building and local economic rehabilitation projects, to Nagorno Karabakh, with a view to helping to resolve the conflict there; 8. EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee NINETH MEETING 29 - 30 January 2007 Brussels Final Statement and Recommendations Pursuant to Article 89 of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement 10. recalls the positions of the European Parliament and the Armenian Parliament as expressed in previous joint statements; reiterates its full support for the peaceful settlement and fair resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in accordance with the principles of international law, which include the right to self-determination and respect for minority rights; 15. shares the view that the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict must include an agreement on the status of Nagorno Karabakh; the authorities representing the parties involved should ensure proper conditions for the safe return of refugees to their homes; the people of Nagorno Karabakh should be involved in the negotiations to resolve the conflict; further consolidation of democracy and progress on good governance in Nagorno Karabakh will contribute towards a peaceful solution to the conflict; 9. European Parliament resolution of 21 May 2008 on Turkey's 2007 progress report 44. Calls on the Turkish government to re-open its border with Armenia, restoring full economic and political relations with that country; calls once again on the Turkish and Armenian governments to start a process of reconciliation, in respect of the present and the past, allowing for a frank and open discussion of past events; calls on the Commission to facilitate this reconciliation process;