SERZH SARGSYAN: MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE IS NAGORNO KARABAKH STATUS, WHICH SHOULD BE DECIDED BY FREE WILL AND HAVE COMPULSORY LEGAL FORCE

Noyan Tapan
July 21, 2009

YEREVAN, JULY 21, NOYAN TAPAN. On July 20, RA President Serzh Sargsyan
receiving the European Union Troika led by Foreign Minister of
Sweden Carl Bildt, said that since its independence Armenia has always
attached importance to relations with the European Union and today also
considers them an important component of its foreign policy. Giving
assurance that the Eastern Partnership bases will become stronger
under Sweden’s chairmanship in EU, President Sargsyan said that the
Partnership gives possibilities to deepen relations not only with the
European Union, but also to carry out cooperation with the Eastern Six.

As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA President’s Press Office, at the
meeting, the sides had a detailed discussion over regional cooperation
issues, in particular, over the Nagorno Karabakh settlement.

S. Sargsyan said that he had discussed the problem with Azerbaijan’s
President three days before. In his words, the discussion was
held in a little different conditions as the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-chairs had already informed the public around what principles the
negotiations proceed. S. Sargsyan also considered it assistance to
some extent. "Unfortunately, the sides not always presented society
with the issues spoken about during the negotiations. In spite of this
circumstance, after Moscow discussions also our neighbor Azerbaijan
tries to present the agenda and meaning of the negotiations in another
way. Nevertheless, I can say that though with difficulty, there is some
porgress. You know that now we discuss the basic principles separated
from Madrid Principles, then we are to start elaboration of the main
agreement on their basis. I think it should become clear for everybody
that the most important issue is the Nagorno Karabakh status, which
should be decided by free will and should have a compulsory legal
force. When we are able to give a proper formulation to this problem
that will not cause any doubt, then I think the negotiations will
continue much more smoothly," S. Sargsyan said.

The meeting participants also discussed the issues on the EU-Armenia
agenda, in particular, touched upon the possibilities of signing an
agreement on associated membership, prospect of economic partnership,
agreement on deepened free trade, as well as democratic reforms
carried out in Armenia.

The possibilities of facilitation of granting entrance visas to EU
countries was also spoken about.

According to the report provided to Noyan Tapan by the RA Foreign
Ministry Press and Information Department, the same day RA Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian received the European Union Troika
delegation.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the further expansion and
deepening of Armenia-EU cooperation year by year. Emphasizing the
importance of EU’s assisting Armenia’s development, E. Nalbandian
mentioned that Armenia will continue its foreign political course
of rapprochement with the European family and is going to carry out
proper steps and reforms in that direction.

Issues regarding Armenia-European Union relations, ways of
strengthening and expanding cooperation and joint steps to be
undertaken for that purpose were discussed at the meeting. The sides
emphasized with satisfaction that efficient cooperation in a number of
formats proceeds between Armenia and the European Union. The Foreign
Ministers also discussed issues related to deepening Armenian-Swedish
cooperation and mentioned with satisfaction that the contacts of the
two countries’ businessmen have become considerably active lately.

In connection with the normalization process of Armenian-Turkish
relations it was mentioned that the European Union supports steps
undertaken in that direction. Touching upon the Nagorno Karabakh
settlement negotiations process, the interlocutors reaffirmed that
problem’s settlement is only possible in a peaceful way, on the
basis of norms of international law, self-determination, territorial
integrity and principles of non-use of force or threat of force.

E. Nalbandian’s and C. Bildt’s joint press conference took place
after the meeting.