EU EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF RATIFICATION OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH PROTOCOLS SIGNED AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS

ArmInfo
2009-10-27 14:58:00

ArmInfo. The 10th annual session of Armenia-EU cooperation council
was held in Luxembourg on October 26.

As Armenia’s Foreign Ministry press service reports, the Armenian
delegation, headed by FM Edward Nalbandyan, included Permanent
Representative of Armenia to EU , Ambassador Avet Adonts, deputy
Justice Minister Nikolay Arustamyan, deputy Economy Minister Mushegh
Tumasyan and other officials.

EU delegation was headed by Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt. The
delegation included European Commissioner for External Relations
and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Spain’s
Secretary of State for the European Union Diego Lopez Garrido, as
well as high-ranking representatives of EU structures. The issues of
Armenia-EU cooperation, its deepening prospects, as well as regional
issues were discussed at the cooperation Council session held under
chairmanship of Armenia’s FM Edward Nalbandyan.

E. Nalbandyan introduced the Armenian party’s steps on implementation
of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Programme and said that
efficient implementation of the Programme is Armenia-EU cooperation
priority, and official Yerevan will keep on taking practical steps for
tightening of the relations. Armenian foreign minister emphasized the
importance of activity of EU Consulting Group which assists in the
process of reforms in Armenia, and characterized it as a successful
example of efficient cooperation.

Armenian deputy Economy and Justice ministers introduced the steps
being taken in their spheres, the government’s economic policy and
the reforms in the judicial-legal system.

During the session, the parties discussed the process of fulfillment
of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Programme in details and
express satisfaction with successful implementation of the programme.

They also noted the programme extension prospects available.

The parties exchanged opinions on the Eastern Partnership programme and
emphasized the importance of complete use of its potential: development
of an agreement on association, signing of a deepened and comprehensive
free trade agreement, as well as simplification of the visa regime.

The European party welcomed the brave steps aimed at normalization
of the Armenian- Turkish relations and emphasized the importance of
prompt ratification of the protocols, signed on October 10 in Zurich,
and their implementation without preconditions. High-ranking European
officials highly appreciated the cooperation with Armenia, as well as
the democratic and economic reforms being carried out by the country’s
authorities. They also claimed of their support to these steps.

At the European party’s request, E. Nalbandyan introduced the current
stage of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement.