Pan Armenian News

TARJA HALONEN: ARMENIA MAY HAVE MORE INTEGRATED FUTURE

24.09.2005 04:18

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Owing to democracy and rapid economic development Armenia
may have a much more integrated future, Finnish President Tarja Halonen
stated. «Finland and the EU are interested in all of the region and Armenia
has got a good opportunity to promote relations with Finland and the EU.
Armenia has a European history in many respects,» she stated. «The European
Neighborhood Policy can be a move forward. Each country in the region is an
interesting partner to the EU and it depends on you how this interest is
realized,» T. Halonen remarked. «Armenia has a rich history, you experienced
hardships as well, however you may have a better future if you are active
and strongly develop economy, human rights, rule of law and good
administration. Thus, I call you to examine the opportunities the European
Neighborhood Policy provides for,» she stated. Touching upon the prospects
of settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue, T. Halonen remarked, «I
consider the fact that presidential election in Armenia was held in 2003 and
the next will take place in 2008 a very important fact. I hope you will use
the time left till the next election and will try to solve the conflict. You
should inspire yourself to make decisions and move forward,» reported
Mediamax.