YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, NOYAN TAPAN. "Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are important countries for the EU, and we want to do more to help them advance in the reform process that will bring them greater prosperity and stability". The Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner said this prior to her visit to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan on 19-22 January. NT was informed by the Office of the EU Delegation to Armenia that during her visit the Commissioner will discuss proposals to substantially upgrade the level of political engagement with the EU's Eastern neighbours in a new Eastern Partnership (EaP). Implementation of each country's European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action will also be discussed. In Georgia the Commissioner will discuss implementation of the up to 500 million-euro program to re-launch the economy and resettle IDPs following last summer's conflict. In Armenia and Azerbaijan she will urge renewed efforts to find a settlement for Nagorny Karabakh. In her words, " the EU believes that the region will never attain its full potential as long the frozen conflict in Nagorny Karabakh remains unresolved".

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