Settlement of Karabakh Conflict Could Prevent EU Collapse, Says Frantishek Mikloshko

Former Chairman of Slovakia’s parliament Frantishek Mikloshko has a unique prescription for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that could see the European Union proposing an associated membership to Armenia, Karabakh and Azerbaijan.

“With the help of the European Union these three republics can very quickly pass through the path of reforms, have economic growth and be ready for the EU membership in a short period. It is very important that Azerbaijan also be informed about it, so that they are convinced that the peaceful settlement of the issue will bring about pecuniary, moral and cultural success to them. Otherwise [the sides] will always shake fists on each other,” said he, adding that importantly the Karabakh issue should be much spoken about in the European Union so that active discussions will be held over this conflict.

Mikloshko also said that his version of the resolution of the Karabakh issue does not run counter to the OSCE Minsk Group’s efforts.

“The Minsk Group plays an exceptionally important role in the settlement of the conflict. Today the stability in Nagorno Karabakh is completely accounted for by the professionalism of the local authorities and by the successful work of Minsk Group,” said Mikloshko.

According to him if the EU accepts the proposal, it will support the Minsk Group’s efforts as it has reached a deadlock.

“Should the EU miss the chance to solve the Karabakh issue, it will become the first precedent that will see the collapse of the EU as continuation. The future is not after conflicts but rather cooperation. Either the EU will realize this, or the problems will emerge one after the other,” said Mikloshko.