– Which are the priorities of Armenian the relations with the European community?
– The priorities of Armenia in relations with the EU are reflected in the Armenia-EU action plan elaborated in the framework of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and Policy of European Neighborhood. The implementation of this action plan mostly has a purpose of contributing to the development of political institutions, regional stability and deepening of cooperation, strengthening of democracy, development of economy and completion of the transition phase to the market economy.
– What level of relations with the EU does Armenia strive for in the long-run?
– Our relations with the EU are developing progressively and consistently. In 1999 the agreement on partnership and cooperation signed in 1996 became acting. Several years after that Armenia became a member of the European neighborhood policy. This means that the economic, political relations of Armenia with the EU became even more developed. This year we are planning to progress the inter-relations with the EU, which will be done through the Eastern Partnership program. In the med-term we are expecting to deepen political dialog and economic collaboration, which will cause economic growth, harmonization of the legislation, poverty reduction and protection of the environment. As of the long-term cooperation it is desirable that the EU becomes more open and closer to Armenia and Armenia in its turn must be more developed and progressive in terms of its legislation and practice of law as well as more flexible in terms of economic relations and business conduct. Armenia should conform to the European criteria of market economy.
– In the near future a commission of the launch of the EU Eastern Partnership program will be formed. What does Armenia expect from that?
– Yes, in May the new format of the EU Eastern Partnership program will launch in Prague. The agenda of this new initiative includes such key issues as the signature of the free trade agreement, facilitation of visas, higher level financial cooperation, and increase of the level of regional relations. There is also another objective that I signify. The Eastern partnership anticipates not only deeper EU-Armenia relations but also high-level cooperation between the member states of the program. This structure must be definitely directed to cooperation and must be objective.
– Can the GSP+ privileged program be applied practically for Armenia in the event of close ties with the EU?
– The free trade regime with the EU will be practiced only after signing the trade agreement. The GSP is a high-rank trade regime; however it is not an absolutely free trade regime. In order to have the GSP+ regime Armenia has been closely cooperate with the European Commission. As a result of this there will be zero customs payment for certain items. It means there will be a free trade regime for those goods. I am sure in order to productively use the GSP+ regime our businessmen must receive proper information. They should also be taught how to apply it.
– To what extent do the issues, which exist between Armenia and the Council of Europe, impede the relations with the EU?
– The essence of Armenia’s relations with the EU and the Council of Europe drastically differ. Besides that the format of cooperation with these organizations drastically differs. We are considered a full member of the Council of Europe. It means we participate in all the activities of the structure and we are partners with the EU. And these partnership relations develop without political grounds.
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