Southern Caucasus: a long way to go - ALDE

5.45.55pm GMT Thu 2nd Mar 2006

Returning from a visit to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, European Parliament Liberal Group leader Graham Watson said:

"Liberals and Democrats worked hard to have the countries of the southern Caucasus included in the EU's new Neighbourhood Policy. Not only will they shortly be near neighbours across the Black Sea, but they occupy a strategically important corner of Europe between Russia and Iran. The EU must work to help give them fully fledged democracies and market economies.

"Recent developments in each country suggest all three countries are sliding towards kleptocracy and authoritarian rule. Conflicts such as the hostilities in Nagorny Karabach are being exploited to serve short-term political ends and the fruits of economic growth are being denied to the large majority of the people. It is perhaps little wonder that they are suffering a brain drain and increasing distrust of government.

"The EU must use the carrot of development aid under the new Neighbourhood Policy to insist on transparency, the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms. Plans currently being prepared with each country must include measurable targets for progress in each of these areas. Failure to achieve this risks condemning the ancient peoples of the region to further conflict, repression and misery."

Mr Watson was accompanied on his visit by MEPs Ignasi Guardans (Spain) and Sarah Ludford (UK). They met representatives of government and opposition in all three countries between 27 February and 1 March.