Armenia, EU Sign New Neighborhood Plan

ARMENIA, EU SIGN NEW NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

Regnum, Russia
Nov 14 2006

On November 14, Armenian-EU action program in framework of the
"new neighborhood" policy was approved and adopted at the seventh
Armenia-EU plenary session in Brussels, REGNUM correspondent reported.

Political issues, human rights’ protection, as well as energy problems
were discussed during the meeting. The Armenian side informed on the
efforts aimed at the diversification of energy sources in the country,
particularly, construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. Following
the session, an official ceremony of adopting the Armenia-EU action
plan took place. At the ceremony, Armenian FM Vardan Oskanyan and the
Finland’s foreign trade minister signed a relevant document. Realizing
the program suggests an opportunity for Armenia to proceed from
cooperation with the EU to a higher level of integration, including
the possibility to enter the EU’s domestic market and become part of
the EU’s policies and programs. The action plan suggests establishing
intensive political, economic, and cultural tiesbetween Armenia and
the EU.

The signed document gives Armenia an opportunity to realize a
comprehensive package of reforms before signing a new agreement of a
still higher status. Realization of the program will make Armenia’s
social, political, and economical systems more compatible to the
European ones. Special attention in the action plan is paid to the
Armenia-EU economic cooperation, particularly, additional financial
assistance, developing trade and economic cooperation, harmonization of
economic legislation, constant reduction of trade tariff limitations,
which is supposed to boost investments, exports, and economic growth.