The Nagorno-Karabakh peace process and Armenia-Turkey normalization process are two different processes that should not be linked, Peter Semneby, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby stated in his interview with Trend News on the results of his visit to Azerbaijan.

The Armenian-Turkish relations must be normalized without any preconditions, as this process is producing a having positive impact on the situation in the region, including Azerbaijan, Semneby said. He pointed out that both the processes are progressing.

Speaking of his impressions of the visit, he said that he had substantial talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov. Among the issues discussed by the sides were both Azerbaijan’s foreign policy issues, relations with the European Union, Nagorno-Karabakh peace process and Armenian-Turkish relations. The EU Special Representative also expressed hope for further progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.

In his interview, Semneby also spoke of the prospects of the EU Eastern Partnership program. According to the diplomat, the next step is adopting a mandate for association agreements with the South Caucasus states.

The EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the negotiations mandate early next year, which will be followed by long-lasting negotiations. Progress in the negotiations depends on the will and potential of each of the states, Semneby said. He pointed out that the program will afford ampler opportunities for discussing regional problems.

As regards a negative impact the lack of a transit agreement with Turkey may have on projects of gas transit from Azerbaijan to Europe, Semneby said the issue is on the agenda, and a decision is a joint priority of Azerbaijan and EU. He pointed out the need for creating all the necessary conditions for the supply Caspian gas region to Europe. The best way of doing it is signing a transit agreement with Turkey, Semneby said. He reported that during his visit to Azerbaijan he discussed energy issues as well.