BRUSSELS. - European Union will send its new special representative to Southern Caucasus in the near future. Her main responsibility will be to support resolution of conflicts in the region, including Karabakh conflict, EU managing director for Eastern Neighborhood Miroslav Lajčák told in the interview with Radio Liberty.

He stressed that EU intends to increase its role in conflict resolution process, but it should not be done through OSCE Minsk group.

“EU supports Minsk group and its efforts to find political resolution of the conflict. At the same time there is an increasing belief that official Brussels should also have an active and visual political role. Karabakh conflict is the only issue in our neighborhood where EU is not directly involved. We cannot establish relations with our Eastern neighbors while pretending the conflict does not exist,” Lajčák told.

EU will clarify its steps aimed at Karabakh conflict resolution after negotiates with OSCE Minsk group.

According to Lajčák, EU can bring the sides of Karabakh conflict closer to each other and can promote dialogue between societies. However, everything depends on negotiations with OSCE Minsk group. In case of progress, EU will have more chances to be included in the process.

European diplomat told that Catherine Ashton will be appointed as the new representative in Southern Caucasus. The appointment will allow to implement EU’s disposition, interests and policy in the region.