The latest enlargement of the EU has brought the South
Caucasus neighbourhood even closer to the EU. The new proximity of
this neighbourhood along with the region's geographic location between the Black Sea and the
Caspian, between Russia, Turkey and Iran, and as a link between Europe and Asia makes
the South Caucasus a key strategic region for the
EU.
Following the outbreak of open hostilities
between Georgia and Russia in August 2008, the EU took immediate steps to secure
a ceasefire, stabilise the situation and facilitate political talks between the parties. This engagement demonstrates
just how important the EU considers the region to
be.
As EUSR for the South Caucasus, I work to further the EU's
agenda in the countries of the region - Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia - as well as to contribute
to the development of a comprehensive EU policy for the South Caucasus. Much of
this work is undertaken jointly with the European Commission, in particular in support of the
European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan for the three
countries.
My mandate includes assisting the three countries in carrying out political and
economic reforms, notably in the fields of rule of law, democratisation, human rights and good
governance. I work closely with the Commission in this
endeavour.
The EU has been heavily involved in working to resolve the
long-standing conflicts over Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Following the outbreak
of an armed conflict between Georgia and Russia in August 2008, the EU appointed
an EUSR for the Crisis in Georgia and deployed an EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM).
I work in tandem with the EUSR for the Crisis in Georgia and provide local political guidance to the EUMM. Even
after the war, I will continue to support the implementation of the confidence-building measures
that have been agreed jointly with the Commission and myself. This work aims to contribute
to the efforts for the peaceful settlement of the
conflicts.
A key consideration for the EU in Georgia remains the
continuation of democratic reforms, in particular in the area of the rule of
law. As the elections in Georgia have not resolved political
differences within society, I am actively engaged in promoting constructive political dialogue between the
government and opposition - a prerequisite for long-lasting political stability in Georgia. I am also
involved in promoting the development of free and independent
media.
The EUSR structure includes the EU Border Support Team, which has been developing
a border management strategy and implementation plan for Georgia and is building the capacity
of Georgian border guards. The work of the BST has proved successful in moving Georgia
towards best European practices and standards for integrated border
management.
In Armenia, I promote the
ongoing democratisation process, the rule of law and media freedom in order to facilitate the
reforms necessary for making Armenia a vibrant and functioning
democracy.
I also facilitate contacts between officials and civil society
in Armenia and Turkey with a view to addressing outstanding issues and providing the
basis for the re-establishment of relations. Improved bilateral relations between the two countries would contribute
to the overall stability and prosperity of the South
Caucasus.
Azerbaijan is an important partner for the EU given the
country's vast oil and gas reserves and its location as a bridge to Central
Asia. The EU has strategic energy interests in Azerbaijan, in particular as
a source of energy and as a potential transit country. I am also working
for progress in democratisation, media freedom, and human rights. Progress in this area will be
a key determinant for the EU's long-term relationship with
Azerbaijan.
The ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh remains
a major preoccupation for the EU in its relationship with the region. I support
the work of the Minsk Group to promote a peaceful and sustainable solution; the EU
moreover stands ready to promote confidence-building measures between the
parties.
As EUSR for the South Caucasus, I take a regional approach
to the three countries. The linkages between the three
countries are strong in terms of their security, stability, and ability to move closer
towards the European Union. In this context, I consider the opening up of borders between
the countries and their neighbours to be of paramount
importance.