BENITA FERRERO-WALDNER EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT "NEW PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA WILL CONTINUE FIRMLY ON THE PATH OF REFORM"

Mediamax
February 22, 2008

Yerevan /Mediamax/. EU Commissioner for External Relations and European
Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner stated that she commends the
people of Armenia and its leaders on the fact that these elections were
conducted mostly in line with the country’s international commitments.

"As the OSCE Election Observation Mission stated in its preliminary
statement further improvements will be necessary to address remaining
challenges, in particular strengthening of public confidence in the
electoral process", the statement of Benita Ferrero-Waldner reads.

"At the same time it is important to note that considerable progress
has been achieved with regard to the preparation and conduct of the
electoral process since the last Presidential elections in 2003 thanks
to reforms undertake", European Commissioner stated.

She added that "support for these reforms is a key priority of the
EU/Armenia Action Plan under the European Neighborhood Policy".

"The European Commission will continue to assist Armenia on its
path to political and economic reforms. The recent strengthening
of the Commission presence in Yerevan through the opening of an
EC Delegation is a clear sign of our ongoing commitment", Benita
Ferrero-Waldner stated.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner expressed confidence that "new President of
Armenia, together with the new government, will continue firmly on
the path of reform, which is vital for the Armenian people as well
as for the future of our relationship".

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress