UK not to alter policy towards South Caucasus

PanARMENIAN.Net - The formation of UK’s new government will not entail changes in its policy towards the South Caucasus.

“The United Kingdom stands for sustainable development of the region and will carry on the constructive cooperation with Armenia,” UK Ambassador to Armenia Charles Lonsdale told a news conference on June 28.

“Although the UK is not directly engaged in Karabakh and Armenian-Turkish processes, we will continue efforts for strengthening stability in the region,” the Ambassador said.

According to him, the UK is interested in maintenance of good relations with all countries of the region, including Azerbaijan.

“It’s impossible to neglect energy issues in relations with Azerbaijan but human rights and democracy are no less important for cooperation,” he emphasized.

As to Armenia-UK relations, the Ambassador pointed out to the necessity to strengthen economic ties.

“An Armenian-British business council was formed to encourage cooperation in the field,” he said.

He also hailed the Eastern Partnership initiative and said that Armenia should itself decide on the speed and way of developing relations with the European Union.