YEREVAN, AUGUST 31, ARMENPRESS. During the discussion entitled “Revival of the European Union and the regional cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe” which was organized within the framework of “Solidarity and Sovereignty” parliamentary meeting of Central and Eastern European countries in Warsaw, Deputy Speaker of Armenian Parliament Hermine Naghdalyan delivered a speech on August 31, the Deputy Speaker’s administration told “Armenpress”.

In her speech Hermine Naghdalyan said this event is a good opportunity to discuss and raise issues of concern and which need urgent solutions. She talked about the difficult and tense situation in the region and said speaking about cooperation first of all we imagine a political dialogue on security issues.

She highlighted the war zones, the growth of political extremism and the expansion of international terrorism as major challenges which endanger the regional peace and security and require joint efforts for fighting against them.

Coming to Armenia, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament presented the difficult situation where our country “is living” surrounded by its two neighbors: from the east Azerbaijan with its aggressive military policy, from the west Turkey which for more than two decades continues keeping closed its border with Armenia with such means grossly violating the norms of international law.

Hermine Naghdalyan once again recalled its European partners the recent military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno Karabakh in early April which targeted not only the armed forces, but also the civilians.

“Colleagues, the issue today is about the NKR people’s security, their right to live. Nagorno Karabakh is a part of Europe regardless of its status, and its people belong to the European family”, she stated.

“At various levels the EU has expressed its readiness to support the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs which is the only internationally authorized body aimed at working towards the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict based on the three principles of the international law which are the followings: the right to self-determination, territorial integrity and non-use of force”, she stated.

Hermine Naghdalyan expressed hope the EU’s balanced stance and its dedication to create a favorable atmosphere for the comprehensive settlement of the conflict may succeed to break the ice of the Azerbaijani policy and become a bridge in promoting confidence-building, which, however, will not be easy as long as our neighbor rejects all forms of cooperation.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Karabakh is an established state with all its attributes of statehood and institutions, the Constitution, active civil society and vibrant economy”, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament said.

“With its independence Karabakh proved that it is a reliable, predictable and responsible partner for the international community, and is consistent with its actions aimed for the maintenance of regional peace and stability”, she said.

“The EU is a symbol of democracy. Based on its main principles and values the Union must be together with people who fight for democracy, human rights, freedom and equality. These people have expectations, and the EU can help fulfilling them”, Hermine Naghdalyan concluded her speech.