“When were you last time in Azerbaijan? What do you think about this country? Have you raised the questions in Azerbaijan that you raised in Yerevan?” these questions were addressed to Head of the South Caucasus Delegation Sajjad Karim during the press conference with the journalists, today, at the 15th session of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee. Recall that the latter had talked about the possibility of returning some territories by Armenia as a step toward improving the relations with Turkey. Prior to the European gentleman’s response, Head of the Armenian delegation Samvel Farmanyan clarified that Mr. Karim had quoted the Turkey’s official position, and his question was addressed to the point that the Armenian side once again presents its position. He said that misunderstanding is probably the result of a mistranslation or simply misunderstanding.
Sajjad Karim assured that misunderstanding was due to translations or interpretations. Then he said that he has never had any direct involvement in the South Caucasus or the regional countries, and that is the reason why a few months ago his party has suggested him in the position of the Head of the South Caucasus delegation. “Armenia is the first country in the region that I have ever visited and I am leaving with some very positive results with an in-depth understanding of your country,” said he, hoping that it will allow the future effective development of the EU-Armenia relations. The journalist was also interested to know about the nationality of the European officials. “As a Briton, this is not the sort of question I am used to hearing about my ethnic origin and I am still trying to figure out in my mind whether to answer it or not. I am British, an Englishman, my family origins all from South Asia,” he said. (Note that Wikipedia states that Mr. Karim is a Pakistani by origin and is the second Muslim deputy in the European Parliament – ed.)
Question were also raised about increasing tensions on the border, Azerbaijan’s arming and Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement and the European approach on violating the agreements by Azerbaijan in the Minsk format. “When I came here, my first meeting was with the OSCE Ambassador. We remain committed to supporting the OSCE and the Minsk process. It is very sad to see a loss of innocent lives yet again,” said the European official, adding the resolution passed at the session of the Committee contains the answers to all these concerns. With regard to reoperation of the Stepanakert airport, he noticed, “Being transparent is healthy. All those concerns that are talked about at Armenia’s parliament can be found in the official documents that are available.” He meant the resolutions adopted as a result of European events hosted in Armenia this week. “On behalf of the EU, you have a partner that genially wants to work hand in hand with Armenia, genially wants to encourage the values that are open and democratic,” said Sajjad Karim, adding that the local partners have always reminded them that Armenia is also Europe.
At the end of the press conference, Mr. Farmanyan donated the Forget-Me-Not badge pinned on his costume to Sajjad Karim. Head of EU Delegation to Armenia Traian Hristea donated his badge to Samvel Farmanyan.
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Nelly GRIGORYAN
