INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE DEDICATED TO EURO-INTEGRATION KICKED OFF TODAY IN YEREVAN

ARMENPRESS
Oct 29, 2009

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 29, ARMENPRESS: The fifth annual two-day
international conference dedicated to Euro-integration kicked off
today in Yerevan entitled "Eastern Partnership: is it declare a
new round in Euro-integration process?". Armenian Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandyan, Secretary of National Security Council Arthur
Baghdasaryan, head of the delegation of European Commission to Armenia
Raul de Luzenberger, political analysts participated in the opening
of the event.

Greeting the participants of the conference Arthur Baghdasaryan noted
that for Armenia integration into European value-system is a big
objective and for reaching it the country’s authorities are carrying
out an extended work with the support of the EU. According to him,
EU’s "Eastern Partnership" program which also involves Armenia,
will open new ways of development in front of Armenia.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan said Armenia’s ties
with EU and its member states have history of ages, Armenia has also
participated in the formation of European value-system. "EU adopts
ideas of peace and human rights protection. The same ideas are adopted
by Armenia which moves forward with its vision. Armenia believes
that this human value-system will be registered in the region,"
the foreign minister said.

According to him, Euro-integration is one of the main directions of
Armenia’s foreign policy thus the country pays a great attention to
relations with EU which is an important partner for Armenia in all
the spheres.

"EU has big potential in the region thus it has means for establishing
peace in the South Caucasus. Within the framework of "Eastern
Partnership" Azerbaijan has adopted a policy of not cooperating with
Armenia and this fact must get a relevant response by EU," Edward
Nalbandyan said.

The minister noted that EU’s cooperation with Armenia develops in
political, economic, energy and other spheres. Armenia will implement
all the programs of EU which stem from its interests and it is a
realized choice of our people, Edward Nalbandyan said.

Raul de Luzenberger highly assessed the current state of EU-Armenia
relations. According to him, the group of EU experts functioning in
Armenia carries out a great work for assisting in the implementation
of reforms in Armenia the results of which will be possible to fully
see in some period of time.

Referring to the EU’s "Eastern Partnership" program Luzenberger
noted that it intends creation of free trade zone which will give an
opportunity for Armenia to export its products to European market
making them completely in accordance with European standards which
is on its part important for Armenia’s population.

"The budget for the Eastern Partnership Program" has already been
approved and annual 25 million euro assistance to Armenia will in
2011 reach 70 million.