– The Eastern Partnership project was launched in May 2009. What do you think about the project implementation during the past year, what achievements and failures have there been? What actions have been done to support the enlargement of future cooperation?
– Armenia has numerously announced about its commitment to develop future cooperation with the European Union in consideration with the declaration of Prague, which is done through concrete steps. There is an intensive dialogue at the highest level, and the president of Armenia visited Brussels as well and met with the heads of the EU and talked about the cooperation with Armenia. High rank officials from the EU visited Armenia as well. In the framework of the Eastern Partnership there have been two unofficial meetings of foreign affairs ministers, during which Armenia presented its approaches and opinions about the future development of cooperation. Issues concerning cooperation are periodically discussed during bilateral meetings with the heads of EU countries. The main works of the Eastern Partnership initiative are done in four thematic platforms, which include democracy and efficient management, economy, humanitarian and energy sectors. Armenia is very actively and effectively included in the works in this platform, which is appreciated by the both parties, and it is also a result of the work of the European advisers during the past one year. In May the EU made a decision to start negotiations with Armenia on the associated agreement. It was planned to launch during July of this year. Works are being carried out to establish a free and large trade zone. In July the RA-EU cooperation commission on security issues will hold a meeting, as a result of which the visa regime with EU countries will be eased. As a conclusion I would like to say that our relations with our partners show that the perception we and our partners have about the agenda, format and content are the same.
– Even though the Eastern partnership project is discussed more now, the relations deepened mainly due to the New Neighborhood Policy. What do you think about the success of the New Neighborhood Policy and how closer has Armenia approached Europe?
– The Eastern Partnership should not be separated from the Neighborhood policy as it is to support the implementation of the Neighborhood Policy by opening new prospects for future cooperation. Recently the first report on Armenia’s success for implementing the European Neighborhood policy was published, which generally positively estimates the works our country has done in all directions. However we should not stop on achievements but should be more encouraged to continue that line. The support of our European colleagues is very important too.
– On June 14 the foreign affairs ministers of the EU member countries adopted a document, according to which the European Union is looking forward to negotiations on partnership agreements with the three countries of South Caucasus, which will start this July. Meanwhile the document writes that in order to reach closer relations the countries of South Caucasus should make reforms in the sectors of democracy, rule of law, human rights and efficient management. According to your opinion, is Armenia ready for these negotiations in consideration of the ongoing processes? When is it possible to sign this partnership agreement?
– From the political point of view Armenia is ready for the negotiations. Next week there will be a preliminary preparation phase in Brussels. The negotiation itself will last long without any time limitations. But the important thing is that we are going to concentrate on the negotiated document to reflect the real prospect of the cooperation between Armenia and the EU, as well as the reforms for that purpose.