ArmRadio – Public Radio, Armenia
Oct 11 2007

Jose Manuel Barroso: Turkey and Armenia must take real steps for
reconciliation
11.10.2007 13:10

President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso declared
during a joint press conference with RA President Robert Kocharyan
that `Armenia has registered great progress in implementing the
Action Plan of the European Neighborhood Policy, especially in the
field of reforms.’

The Armenian President noted, in turn, that after the adoption of the
Action Plan the cooperation between the European Union and Armenia
has become `more coordinated and concrete.’

Robert Kocharyan said `if the trend continues, it will be possible to
speak about a new stage of our relations with the European Union.’

Jose Manuel Barroso declared that during the meeting with Robert
Kocharyan he voiced anxiety of the European Commission with the
operation of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The Commission
considers that further exploitation of the ANPP is dangerous. Mr.
Barroso declared about the willingness to provide financial
assistance to Armenia in case the latter decides to temporarily close
down the plant.

Turning to Armenian Turkish relations, President of the European
Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said `Turkey and Armenia must `take
real steps for reconciliation.’

Commenting on the statement on the necessity of reconciliation, RA
Presidnet Robert Kocharyan declared `the easiest formula would be the
launch of dialogue withous preconditions.’ The Presidnet reminded
that Yerevan has been repeatedly suggesting Ankara to launch such
dialogue over the past 15 years.’