AMBASSADOR OF POLAND TO ARMENIA: EASTERN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM IS NOT AIMED AT WEAKENING RUSSIA’S POSITIONS
Noyan Tapan
Feb 2, 2009
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, NOYAN TAPAN. The European Union (EU)
Eastern Partnership program is not aimed at weakening Russia’s
positions. Tomasz Knothe, the Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Poland to Armenia, stated during the February 2
press briefing. He refuted the opinion that the program was created
straight after the Russian-Georgian armed conflict to make it possible
to balance Russian and European influence in the South Caucasian
region. The Ambassador reminded that the idea to create Eastern
Partnership emerged as early as before the Georgian-Ossetian war.
Comparing the Eastern Partnership and European Neighborhood programs,
T. Knothe said that one is the logical continuation of the other
and they can never contradict each other. According to him, Eastern
Partnership program’s main goal is to bring closer to the Union the
countries not being EU members so far. According to the Ambassador,
it can be done in several ways, by signing the respective agreements,
creation of a free trade zone, students’ reception without a visa
regime, etc.
T. Knothe gave a positive answer to the question of whether Armenia
can become a EU member one day. Accoridng to him, not only Armenia,
but also any other country can join the European Union, but it is
very important that given country’s society sincerely strive for
joining EU. And in response to the question about people arrested by
political motives he said: "No comment."