EU hopes for non-protraction of Karabakh conflict

October 18, 2010 - 16:15 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Protraction of Karabakh conflict for another 40 years would be tragic, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby stated.

“Karabakh conflict, not being an isolated one, poses danger to regional as well as neighboring states. Much effort should be taken to observe ceasefire on the line of contact, where a number of tragic incidents occurred within the last months. Armistice does not resolve the conflict, however it assists in normalization of talks,” EU Special Representative believes.

Commenting on extension of Russian military base deployment agreement, Semneby noted, “the agreement belongs to the sphere of Armenia-Russia bilateral relations. However, the neighboring countries should be convinced of the contract posing no threat whatsoever. The issue should be viewed in the context of military potential in the Caucasus. We’re not surprised by Armenia’s concern over large-scale military financing in Azerbaijan. Continued military activities can result in tragedy to both sides. We can’t allow for the possibility of a military solution to Karabakh conflict, as well as any other,” Semneby emphasized.