Semneby: EU Concerned over Developments in South Caucasus

PanARMENIAN.Net - EU is concerned over developments in the South Caucasus and considers necessary to prevent escalation of tension in the region, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby stated at a news conference in Moscow Wednesday. "At the moment we are concerned over a number of events in the region," Semneby said. He reminded that EU representatives have many times expressed concern over growth of military expenses in some countries of the region.



"We should work to prevent escalation," the EU Special Representative said, noting that the South Caucasus is a region of huge interest to the EU. "These countries are our immediate neighbors thus they were invited to take part in the New Neighborhood Policy," he said.



In his words, the EU has worked out an Action Plan to develop Neighborhood Policy with South Caucasian countries. Interests of Russia and the EU in the region coincide in many matters, as they both want sustainable development, Semneby said. He reminded Moscow and Brussels have agreed on discussing security matters in the South Caucasus.



"My being in this country is an example of dialogue with Russia over the issue," Semneby noted, adding that during his visit to Moscow he has met with Russian MFA officials, head of the State Duma Committee on Ties with Compatriots Andrey Kokoshin and a number of independent experts



Speaking of the EU stance over conflict settlement in the South Caucasus, Semneby noted that the EU "does not suggest replacing the existing settlement formats and does not insist on direct participation of EU representatives in the settlement. However, we are open to discussion," he said, reports RIA Novosti.