Final declaration of the meeting held in Tbilisi on August 12, between the European Movement councils in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

On August 11-12, 2012, the representatives of the European Movements of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, together with the European Movement International, met in Tbilisi, Georgia. After having jointly analysed the situation of the South Caucasus region and the ways in which the prevalent conflicts, especially Nagorno Karabakh, negatively affect its populations and states, they have agreed to work together towards a shared vision of their common future.

The organisations of the European Movement in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia reaffirm their belief that the peaceful resolution of such conflicts is the only acceptable path and thus call on the authorities to put all the necessary efforts into peace building. They recognise the economic, social and political problems caused by the existing conflicts on every side of the dividing lines, and the need for all sides to withdraw from the current rhetoric that leads to hatred; and are firmly convinced that the peaceful resolution of the conflicts would contribute in tackling the current democratic shortcomings and improve the situation of human rights in the entire region.

The European Movement has peace at the core of its founding values and objectives. Although it recognizes its limitations as a civil society actor, it is also willing to live up to its responsibilities towards the development of an ever united Europe, based on the fundamental principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Therefore, because the South Caucasus states are an integral part of Europe, the European Movements in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, with the support of the European Movement International, have agreed to:

• place peace in the region as the main priority for their work in favour of the European integration of their countries;
• develop together a shared vision for the future of the region in the European context;
• work on concrete confidence building measures, involving citizens and civil society organisations of the region.

More specifically, the organisations of the European Movement have agreed to continue this dialogue with a follow up meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, this upcoming November. They have also agreed to jointly promote people-to-people exchange, thus contributing to a better mutual understanding. Last but not least, the European Movement organisations of the South Caucasus have decided to jointly develop projects aimed at promoting friendship and peace in the region, such as an internet-based video channel called “Peace TV,” a joint electronic newsletter and visually impacting actions which cross the border lines.

The European Movement understands the complexity and sensitivity of the existing conflicts, and is aware of the difficulties and obstacles that it will face in the journey that it will now initiate. At the same time, the European Movement’s organisations in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia believe that standing and working together is the best way to face these obstacles and the approach most likely to be successful; they invite all interested EMI Members to support their efforts, and to exert pressure over the EU institutions to show deeper commitment and engage more decisively in the peaceful resolution of the conflicts.

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Second meeting of the EMI “Tbilisi Process” – Peaceful conflict resolution in the South Caucasus

“The Tbilisi Process initiated by the European Movement International and its National Councils in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia aims at promoting mutual understanding and at building confidence, involving citizens and civil society in an active dialogue in the South Caucasus”, said Diogo Pinto, EMI Secretary General, upon his return from a regional meeting in Tbilisi last week-end.

Mr Pinto continued saying that “a peaceful resolution of the current South Caucasus conflicts is the only way forward and the EMI and its partners aim to create an environment where citizens perceive each other as friends and neighbors rather than as enemies”.

Already at a first meeting in August 2012, creating peace had been defined by all partners as the main priority for their work in favor of the European integration of their countries, leading to an initial text, jointly adopted and later proclaimed as “Tbilisi Declaration”.

EMI President Jo Leinen added that “it was the peaceful settlement of a conflict and in this context the Franco-German reconciliation that led to the establishment of the European Union. European integration is closely linked to the creation of peace and should be the main priority for the South Caucasus”.

The partners have agreed to meet again, in June 2013, in Baku.

Download the final declaration of the 2nd meeting of the Tbilisi Process.

Third meeting of Tbilisi Process in Yerevan

The EMI launched a dialogue among EM Armenia and EM Azerbaijan in August 2012, this was the third meeting and the first not taking place in “neutral ground”. The visit of Azerbaijani people to Armenia is not a first, but still historical. We are proud of our Members and their work in favour of peace and understanding. Peace has always been at the core of European integration and the EMI remains committed to it, in the same way it was in 1948.

Download the Final Conclusions.