By Ona Juknevičienė - 8th December 2008
“Our approach must be to gain a better understanding of the needs of our Asian friends and to seek to respond to it”
Ona Jukneviciene MEP
The inter-parliamentary delegation for relations with Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and Mongolia, which I have chaired since 2004, is working to reinforce the presence of the EU in this region.
The work is both demanding and interesting. The countries of the region are emerging on the international stage and face many challenges as they seek to modernise in an increasingly globalised world. The EU stands ready with its full support and to assure our Central Asian partners that we have a strong desire to play a more active role in the region - both politically and economically.
The EU set out its policy in the Central Asia strategy for 2007-2013, which it adopted in June 2007. This process will be of benefit to both sides, and the European parliament’s delegation is one of the key players, having been fully involved in the preparation of the strategy and now playing a specific and vital role in monitoring the policies launched and promoting their further development.
We seek to hold annual meetings with as many as possible of our counterparts in the six countries. In the case of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, these meetings take place within the framework of the partnership and cooperation agreements (PCAs) that came into force in 1999.
There have been particular difficulties in relations with Uzbekistan since the tragic events that took place in Andijan in May 2005, when a demonstration was put down by the authorities with a significant loss of life. Nevertheless, we went to Uzbekistan in 2007 for a meeting with the Uzbek parliament, and were able to visit Andijan. We believe that the European parliament must continue to call for an independent investigation into the circumstances of this event.
We also hold inter-parliamentary meetings with the other three countries. The process of ratification of the PCA with Tajikistan is underway. An agreement on trade and economic cooperation between the EU and Mongolia has been in force since 1993. However, concerns over human rights have meant that the ratification of the PCA with Turkmenistan has been severely delayed.
The European commission has proposed that, in the meantime, a trade agreement be concluded with the country. Until now, the European parliament has opposed such an agreement, as we place a high importance on Turkmenistan meeting certain criteria on human rights and democratisation.
However, there have been changes in the country and signs that President Berdymukhammedov is opening up to the world. This could clear the way for the trade agreement to become a half-way point for the PCA. The EU has to offer its full support to the process of democratisation in Turkmenistan and should certainly not let the door be closed.
Our mutual interest in economic cooperation is often at the centre of our discussions. We also have a common goal of preventing global warming and preserving our environment. The fight against terrorism and against organised crime can bring results if we work together.
However, the main emphasis during our dialogue is on human rights and democratisation. We want to promote and share the universal values that are the cornerstones of the EU: democracy, good governance, the rule of law and the defence of human rights.
Discussions on these topics are not always straightforward, as we do not always share the same views. Nevertheless, we will seek to share our experience without appearing to preach to anyone. Our approach must be to gain a better understanding of the needs of our Asian friends and to seek to respond to it.
