September 17, 2004 - 18:13 AMT
ROMANO PRODI: EU HAS NO FAVORITES IN SOUTH CAUCASUS
The EU has no favorites in the South Caucasus, stated President of the European Commission Romano Prodi. Speaking of the possible accession of the countries of the region to the European Union he noted that the EU in general is ready to provide member status to any European states. Europe's borders are not fixed and they change with time. However, now when the EU has enlarged upon the accession of 10 new members, speaking about new enlargement is not expedient, he noted. However, this does not mean that the South Caucasian countries do not belong to Europe. "They do not belong to the European Europe at the moment," emphasized the Eurocommission President. However, the principle of Wider Europe: New Neighbors EU program provides for close cooperation with the countries, which cannot become EU members in the near future. In R. Prodi's words, Europe is a large investor, as well as an influential player at the international economic arena. "We are ready to make big investments in the economy of the South Caucasian countries," he said. At that the European Commission President also noted the topping role of Russia in the prospect of accession of the South Caucasian countries to the European family.