SERZH SARGSYAN: WE SEE THE KARABAKH SOLUTION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE MINSK GROUP

armradio.am
07.11.2008 11:07

Within the framework of his visit to Belgium the President of Armenia,
Serzh Sargsyan, had a meeting with the President of the European
Commission José Manuel Barroso. Following the meeting the parties
gave a joint press conference, noting that they discussed a number
of bilateral and regional issues.

"I had a very interesting meeting with RA President Serzh Sargsyan. We
discussed both bilateral and regional issues. Armenia is on the way
of implementation of the Action Plan of the European Neighborhood
Policy. We express willingness to support Armenia in implementing joint
political and financial partnership programs," Mr. Barrroso said. He
appreciated the fact that the EU will soon send an advocacy group
to Armenia and expressed hope that it will have a real and positive
influence on the process of reform implementation. It was noted
that the European Commission appreciates the efforts of the Armenian
authorities targeted at implementing reforms in the judicial system
and the mass media and expects greater progress in this direction.

According to José’ Manuel Barroso, the European Union wishes to
facilitate the establishment of peace in the region, reinforce peace
and prosperity. "This is an important region to the European Union and
we spare no effort to coordinate our words and deeds," he underlined,
adding that he is satisfied with Armenia’s positive response to
Turkey’s initiative targeted at establishing peace in the Caucasus.

According to him, the dialogue between Yerevan and Ankara can have
a positive impact on regional security, including the resolution of
the Karabakh issue.

For his part, the President underlined that Armenia wishes to come
closer to Europe, and on this way it anticipates the support of
partners. "We wish our European partners to create more favorable
conditions for our trade and want our partners to see our economic
development and grant us the status of a market economy. We want the
citizens of Armenia and EU member states to be able to communicate
easier, we want to have a sub-commission, which will allow solving
the existing problems," Serzh Sargsyan stressed.

Asked how the Armenian President will react to the suggestion of the
Turkish President to meet with the President of Azerbaijan in Turkey,
Serzh Sargsyan noted that it would be somewhat strange if Turkey
made such an invitation, since he met the President of Azerbaijan in
Moscow just a few days ago and signed a joint declaration. "One of the
provisions of that declaration consolidates that we see the solution
of the Karabakh issue in the format of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs,
while Turkey is not a co-chair country although it is a member of
the Minsk Group," the President added.

Serzh Sargsyan expressed regret that he could not mention terms with
regard to the schedule of the Karabakh talks. "After our meeting
in Moscow, we agreed with President Aliyev to instruct our Foreign
Ministers to negotiate within the framework of the document called
"Madrid Principles." If we reach common points, I think we should
sign an agreement on principles which should be followed by the main
treaty. But I think we will need public discussions in this period."

–Boundary_(ID_Frscaf1bI2zpre8bKUJV VQ)–
From: Baghdasarian