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BAKU: EU Warns Azerbaijan May 'Fall Behind'

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  • BAKU: EU Warns Azerbaijan May 'Fall Behind'

    EU WARNS AZERBAIJAN MAY 'FALL BEHIND'

    AzerNews, Azerbaijan
    Oct 13 - 19, 2005

    A high-ranking European Union official has warned Azerbaijan may
    'fall behind' in joining the EU New Neighborhood Policy due to its
    forging ties with the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
    (TRNC), Armenia media reported.

    Cyprus is an ethnically-divided island and only the southern Greek part
    is internationally recognized. The European Commissioner for Foreign
    Affairs Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the international community
    recognizes the Cyprus republic, which is an EU member state. This
    country is blocking the progress achieved by Baku within the mentioned
    program due to the opening of direct flights with TRNC, she said.

    "I have informed Azeris that if they do not change their decision,
    we will continue collaborating only with Georgia and Armenia.

    Nonetheless, we hope Azerbaijan will find a solution for the problem",
    said Ferrero-Waldner. Cypriot Turks hope the newly-established ties
    with Azerbaijan will help to end three decades of international
    isolation. The Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Taghizada
    said Baku's policy is aimed at facilitating efforts to prevent
    crisis both in the Turkish and Greek communities of Cyprus. "The
    initiative to launch flights is of commercial nature and has no
    bearing on the government's foreign policy." Former state adviser,
    political analyst Vafa Guluzada said Azerbaijan is pursuing a proper
    policy with regard to Turkish Cyprus. "The European Union has blocked
    access to TRNC, as it does not want other states to cooperate with
    this country. Official Baku is on the right path. The EU will not be
    able to influence Azerbaijan on the issue in any way."

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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