Azernews.Az

Peter Semneby, the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus, visiting Baku to hold meetings with Azerbaijani leaders, has said the talks focused on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict, Turkey-Armenia relations as well as energy issues.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Semneby did not elaborate on the gist of his discussions with President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov. He expressed hope that progress observed in Garabagh settlement would be furthered.
"A lot has been accomplished so far. The sides are currently close to one another, and this momentum should not be lost," Semneby said.
The EU envoy avoided assessing the current stage of peace talks, saying he was not inclined to comment on the essence of negotiations at this sensitive time when the next meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents is being anticipated. "The fact that meetings between the presidents and foreign ministers continue and frequently reoccur is, in itself, a positive sign."
Regarding efforts aimed at Turkey-Armenia reconciliation, Semneby said the EU welcomes this process.
"We want to see South Caucasus as a region where borders are open and people are able to move freely. Trade ties will bring the regional countries closer to each other.
"The current situation in the Caucasus is definitely not normal: the Armenia- Turkey, Armenia-Azerbaijan and Georgia-Russia borders remain shut. We have to start with something," said Semneby.
The EU envoy started his visit to Azerbaijan from the northwestern city of Ganja on Sunday where he met with city officials and enquired about the living standards of local residents.*