Mediamax news agency, Yerevan, in Russian
24 Sep 05
FINNISH LEADER FAVOURS ARMENIA’S EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
Yerevan, 24 September: “Following the path of democracy and rapid
economic development, Armenia could ensure a more integrated European
future,” Finnish President Tarja Halonen has told Mediamax in an
exclusive interview.
Tarja Halonen, who will visit Armenia on September 26-28, gave an
exclusive interview to Mediamax news agency and Armenian Public TV
yesterday.
“Both Finland and the European Union are interested in the entire
region, and Armenia has many possibilities for developing relations
with Finland and the EU. In many terms, you have a European history,
and following the path of democracy and rapid economic development,
Armenia could ensure a more integrated European future,” Halonen
said.
“The possibilities offered by the European Neighborhood Policy could
really become a step forward. Every country in the region is of
interest to the EU and it depends on you how this interest will
materialize,” she said.
“Armenia has a rich history and you had difficulties as well, but you
could have a better future if you actively develop democracy, human
rights, the supremacy of the law and efficient management. So, I
strongly encourage you to study and explore the possibilities offered
by the European Neighborhood Policy,” Halonen said.
Asked about the prospects of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict
settlement, she said: “I consider it is very important that a
presidential election was held in Armenia in 2003 and the next
presidential election will be in 2008. I hope you will use the time
left to the next election to solve the problem. You should encourage
yourselves to make decisions and move forward.”