In adopting the report by Mrs Hélène CARRERE D'ENCAUSSE (UPE, F) Parliament considered
that the European Union must adopt a strategy on Transcaucasia (which includes Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia).
The goals of this strategy should be to:
- consolidate the independence of these three states,
- work towards finding a negotiated solution to the political crises which affect the region, applying
the same general criteria and taking account of possible interaction between various potential trouble
spots,
- promote democracy and civil society,
- encourage the economic development of these three countries within the framework of a social
market economy and respect for the environment.
Calling for the adoption of a Council common position on this matter, Parliament welcomed the
partnership and cooperation agreements signed in April 1996 with these three countries and which
provided for closer economic cooperation. These agreements should make it possible to restore the
traditional trade links (energy, raw materials, agricultural products).
However Parliament called for more to be done and for measures to be taken to step up trade with
the Union, to promote regional cooperation, to develop a modern banking system and transport,
energy and telecommunications networks, etc..
On a political level Parliament called on the Union to take steps to find a peaceful solution to the
crises affecting this region. Drawing attention in particular to the dramatic plight of refugees in
Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia, it called on the Union to continue its humanitarian activities.
More specifically, it called for the immediate lifting of the blockade imposed on Armenia by Turkey
and Azerbaijan and, in the case of the latter country, for steps to be taken to ensure greater
democratization.
Similarly Parliament called on the Commission through its TACIS programme to work towards
greater coexistence and mutual understanding between these states.
On a financial level, Parliament proposed the granting of loans tied to specific investment projects
for trans-European networks (EBRD and EIB loans).
Recalling its concerns about nuclear power-stations of Soviet design, it hoped that TACIS would
provide aid in the area of nuclear safety for the Medzamor power station in Armenia.
The European Union should pay closer attention to the role which the Black Sea could play in
developing its relations with the Transcaucasian States given that it links the region with the
industrial heartland of Europe through the Rhine-Danube river link.
Lastly, Parliament drew attention to the fact that the transportation of oil from the Black Sea ports
across the straits might represent a considerable ecological risk. It therefore called on the Union to
give its support to the construction of the oil pipeline between Burgas (Bulgaria) and Alexandropolis
(Greece).
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