European Azerbaijan Society supports panel debate "Securing the Caucasus: Conflict, energy and opportunity on the edge of Europe"

The need for a clear EU Caucasus strategy and the potential importance of Turkey’s role was stressed by a panel of regional experts during a fringe panel debate at the Liberal Democrat Conference on September 20 in London, entitled Securing the Caucasus: Conflict, energy and opportunity on the edge of Europe.

Supported by The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS), delegates included Giorgi Badridze, Ambassador of Georgia to the UK and Ünal Çeviköz, Ambassador of Turkey to the UK, TEAS told APA.

The chair, Adam Hug, Policy Director, Foreign Policy Centre, began by explaining that the main challenge is to end various conflicts across the Caucasus that have continued since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and are impeding development. He was followed by Andrew Duff, Liberal Democrat MEP and President of the Union of European Federalists, who explained how the EU had remained apathetic regarding the rise of Russia and Turkey in the region. Duff expressed hope that Baroness Catherine Ashton, First Vice-President of the European Commission, would be able to develop an articulate strategy integrating the views of all 27 EU member states, the US and NATO. He also stressed his support for Turkish membership of the EU and the need to initiate talks with Russia.

Lord William Wallace, Government Whip, acting as government spokesperson in the House of Lords for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, explained that the challenge for the Caucasus is that it remains low on the EU agenda, with few politicians having knowledge or understanding of the region. Lord Wallace commented that Armenia relies on diaspora support, and that the Armenian invasion of Nagorno Karabakh and seven adjacent territories is affecting the future of Turkey. He reiterated the need for Russian dialogue, and that the EU must demonstrate long-term commitment to developing the region.

Baroness Emma Nicholson, former member of the European Parliament, stated her support for Turkish membership of the EU as a stabilizing factor and the need for the EU to take the concept of a “wider Europe” into account. She also mentioned that the Caucasus is now essential for the EU, due to the energy resources of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Baroness Nicholson stated that the Eastern Partnership must be “brought to life”, incorporating the elements of the Copenhagen Criteria regarding free trade.

The final speaker was Dr Laurence Broers: Projects Manager: Caucasus Programme, Conciliation Resources. He discussed the ongoing Nagorno Karabakh situation, explaining that an impasse has now been reached; the EU is insufficiently engaged; and that the OSCE Minsk Group has no leverage. He stated that dialogue had now reached a tipping point, and the Madrid Principles must succeed or a new plan must be adopted.

Dr Broers explained that the Caucasus must not be reduced to a zero-sum game between regional players, and that none of the conflicts have a religious or tribal basis. He expressed a need for clarity, and for the EU to adopt normal even-handed processes across the region with a long-term focus. He also commented on the problematic role of the Armenian diaspora and the potential coalescing role of Turkey, should it gain EU membership.


/APA/