ARMENIA-EU CONSULTATIONS HELD IN BRUSSELS
ARMENPRESS
DECEMBER 10, 2009
YEREVAN
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS: Armenia-European Union political
consultations were held December 9 in Brussels on the level of the
"Troika" of EU Council’s Political and Security Committee.
Armenian Foreign Affairs Ministry press service told Armenpress that
the Armenian delegation was headed by Head of the Armenian mission
in EU, Ambassador Avet Adonts, and the EU delegation was headed by
representative of EU chairmanship, Swedish Ambassador in Political
and Security Commission Olof Skug.
During the consultation the sides discussed issues concerning the
political cooperation of Armenia and European Union.
While discussing Armenia’s inner developments the sides referred
to the influence of the global economic and financial crisis on the
Armenia’s economy and to the Armenian efforts exerted toward smoothing
its consequences. In this context it was noted that EU has adopted a
decision on extending to Armenia a macro-economic assistance of 100
million Euros (a grant of 35 million Euros, and a loan of 65 million
Euros). On purpose of realizing the first extended money, European
Commission’s mission is to arrive in Armenia in February 2010 to
discuss the issue of signing a memorandum of mutual understanding.
Attaching importance to the measures undertaken by Armenian
authorities toward improving the inner-political situation, the
European side expressed readiness to continue to support Armenia in
the implementation of reforms. In this context, an importance was
attached to the work of EU consulting group. The start of Armenia-EU
dialogue on human rights defense was welcomed.
Excluding the military solution to the issue EU reaffirmed its support
to Nagorno Karabakh conflict regulation in the format of OSCE Minsk
Group, based on Madrid principles. The statement adopted during the
OSCE ministerial council held in Athens was welcomed. The European
side stated that in order to promote the conflict regulation, it is
necessary to avoid from war rhetoric and to undertake measures toward
strengthening trust.
EU reaffirmed its assistance in the process of regulation of
Armenian-Turkish relations attaching importance to the quick
ratification of the protocols.
While discussing the opportunities provided by "Eastern Partnership"
the sides referred to the results of the ministerial council held
December 8, as well as to the decision on South Caucasus adopted by
EU Council the same day. Currently EU Council working groups discuss
the issue on assuming the mandate on the agreement of association
with Armenia. It is expected to be ready in the first half of 2010.
Issues on the facilitation of privileged entrance regime and on signing
an agreement on comprehensive free trade were discussed as well.