– Mr. Ambassador, what would you say about the European Parliament elections? Specifically mass media and politicians are concerned of the low level of voter turnout, which was 43.4%. What is the reason for such low voter turnout?
– The European Union is a rapidly developing institution. If you look at the processes of the past years you will see that it has enlarged significantly through different processes such as a common market, currency and visa zone. The dynamic development of the EU has enabled this institution to support different regions including the South Caucasus as well. As for elections, I think it is possible to view this issue in a wider context. We should not either forget that from the point of view of voter turnout this election was like the past election as well. Certainly it’s about the political parties and European Parliament candidates to discuss and analyze the turnout. However generally the legislative body and EU institutions are working to compile all the materials on the European, local national levels and publish the achievements of the European Union.
– Do the voting results reflect the real political preferences of European communities? What do you think about the victory of the conservative and socialistic powers? Do you think that the world crisis will support the promotion of pro-socialistic powers?
– The current problems need joint efforts for national and world problems. No country can solely overcome the current challenges such as the international financial crisis, climate changes, energetic security and migration. It concerns Armenia as well. Trust and clear vision are very important for the solution of such problems. Let’s take a look at Europe. The development pattern of Europe is a clear vision of reliability and stabile development, due to which separating lines were replaced with general values, and plurality became an additional value. From this point of view the European countries have old traditions, thus it is bringing up an opportunity for the EU member states, EU institutions and neighboring countries to work together for the purpose of finding general solutions and get global answers. The elections of the European Parliament took place in a period when people were starting to feel the crisis. Certainly such crisis will influence on elections. Those elected will have to undertake political compromises, which will help Europe and the entire world to overcome the crisis.
– Can the results of the elections and structural changes of political powers affect or in any manner influence on the EU New Neighborhood Policy.
– The European Neighborhood Policy is a successful example of cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect between the EU and neighboring countries. The EU Neighborhood Policy was the reaction of the EU in 2004 after the EU enlargement, as a result of which the EU decided to adopt a new platform of relations with the neighbors. The purpose of the Neighborhood Policy is to escape from any new separation lines between the enlarged Europe and new neighbors, as well as strengthen the wellness, stability and security of the interested parties. The EU is suggesting privileged relations to its neighbors, which will be based on mutual initiatives and common values (democracy and human rights, rule of law, market economy principles and stabile development). The Neighborhood Policy has enlarged out of the scope of relations and now suggests deeper political relations and economic integration. The Eastern Partnership will be based on this vision. I believe the new parliament will encourage this policy.
– What would you say about the implementation of the European Neighborhood Policy in Armenia specifically?
– Cooperation and dialogue are an integral part of the European Neighborhood Policy. The Commission is ready to support Armenia to become a stronger economic partner after it solves the problems with administration and human rights. The EU advisory group is to help the Armenian government to implement reforms and is the best example of our initiative. The implementation of the Eastern partnership will help to activate our joint efforts to strengthen the democratic institutions of Armenia, make legislation reforms and make the law consistent. The reforms cannot be implemented in one day and still a lot of things should be done in Armenia, and such tasks are good administration, struggle against corruption and providing independence of the judicial system. I appreciate the high level of Armenia’s interest and readiness to implement reforms. Such reforms are very important for Armenia to enjoy benefits from closer relations with the EU.
This supplement has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The content of this supplement is the sole responsibility of “168 Hours” Newspaper and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union