RA PRIME MINISTER TIGRAN SARGSYAN RECEIVED RAUL LUTZENBERGER, HEAD OF EU DELEGATION IN ARMENIA

Frid ay, 27 March 2009

RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received Raul Lutzenberger,
head of EU delegation in Armenia, Tomas Knothe, ambassador of EU
chair-in-office the Czech Republic. The delegation comprised members
of EU Advisory Group.

Greeting the guests, the Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation to
the leadership of the European Union which was prompt in responding to
Armenia’s request for sending in a group of advisers. Tigran Sargsyan
pointed out that Armenia will benefit a lot from the European expertise
while implementing the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan and
realizing fundamental reforms.

By stressing that the program is crucial to our country,
Raul Lutzenberger informed that Armenia is the first European
Neighborhood Policy-involved country to host a program like
this. Due to be implemented in cooperation with the UNDP, this
European Commission-financed program may be continued in future. The
possibility of extending the program will be looked at upon completion
of specific activities under the program. In introducing the advisory
group members, the head of EU delegation in Armenia said they are
going to provide consultancy to a number of government departments
and agencies inclusive of the Staff of Government, the National
Assembly, different ministries, as well as the Office of Human
Rights Defender. Raul Lutzenberger and Tomas Knothe underscored that
apart from its local relevance, the program is supposed to have a
well-pronounced international impact.

Summing up the meeting, Tigran Sargsyan wished successful efforts to
the advisory group by stressing the need for drafting and implementing
an operational and effective action plan.