EUROPEAN UNION EXPERTS STATE ARMENIAN REFORMS LEAD COUNTRY TO DEVELOPMENT

AZG Armenian Daily
26/09/2007

"We have entered an important stage. We have started implementation
of the Armenia-EU Action Plan within the framework of the European
Neighborhood Policy," Mr. Gunnar Wiegand, European Commission’s
Acting Director for Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia,
told at the press conference in Yerevan.

He added that RA Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian is expected to meet
with Mr Raul de Luzenberger, Charge d’Affaires of the Delegation
of the EC to Armenia, Mr Javier Solana, the EU High Representative
for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Mr Manuel Barroso,
President of the European Commission in Luxembourg on October 15. While
RA President Robert Kocharian is to visit Brussels in November.

"The reforms carried out by the Armenian government in political and
economic fields prove that the country has chosen the right way. We
are surprised at the changes that have taken place during a year
since the signature of the Armenia-EU Action Plan," Mr Wiegand said.

He noted that 1/3 of investments come in Armenia from Europe. 50
per cent of Armenian export is meant for European market. "We pay
special attention to development of private business, since it secures
export. 3 years ago the EU allotted 10 million euros within TASIS
program. This year the sum will amount to 21 million while in 2008
it will reach 24 million euros. The funds will be spent for support
of private business and make the produce correspond to European
standards," Mr Wiegand said.

He emphasized stability, democratic society, poverty reduction as
priorities of cooperation. "As to creation of a free trade zone,
we are awaiting conclusions given by the independent experts. If
they draw a positive inference we will proceed to serious talk about
creation of such a zone," he underscored.