February 20, 2007 - 16:39 AMT
EU's interests in Southern Caucasus not connected with NATO or energy carriers
The issue of elections must be separated from political issues, which are being discussed with countries in the South Caucasus, and particularly, with Armenia, stated German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the joint press conference in Yerevan. He said, 300 observers from European countries, including from Germany, will be present in the parliamentary elections of Armenia. "On the course to democratic community Armenia should pass a long way and our duty is to help as much as possible. I hope, after elections your country will become more democratic," the German FM said.

Alongside, he underlined Europe's and Germany's interests in the region are not connected with NATO or energy carriers. "For us is important peace in the South Caucasian region. We are interested in stable economic and political development here," he stressed. In this regard touching upon the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku railway project, the German FM expressed certitude that Armenia too can join the railroad. "The main thing here is to find political solution for full regional cooperation," Steinmeier underscored.