Completing the talks on Armenia-EU framework agreement in 2017 will be a significant success: Piotr Świtalski
”The ratification of the three documents will give a new quality to Armenia-EU cooperation and relations,” Ambassador Piotr Świtalski, Head of EU delegation to Armenia, told at today’s press conference, reflecting to the programs of Armenia-EU relations in 2017 and signing of Armenia-EU framework agreement. The Ambassador stated that in 2017 they anticipate, that the developed positive moment in Armenia-EU relations, this positive dynamics will be maintained and will reach to a new level.
“The perspective for signing a framework agreement is rather optimistic, we are at the last stages of finalizing the negotiations, both our Armenian partners and my colleague from Brussels carry out a very serious work. Although as of now we cannot speak about concrete dates, but I think the negotiators are very close to the signing of the agreement. If everything goes well, completing the talks in 2017 will be a significant success,” Świtalski said.
He also stated that Armenia-EU cooperation priorities will be formed within the frames of the European Neighbourhood Policy and they’ll discuss and form the main directions of cooperation.
According to him that discussion was launched a few months ago, when a special EU delegation arrived in Armenia. “We had a rather constructive reflection from the Armenian side, and we hope in the forthcoming weeks and months that negotiations of the priorities of the partnership will also be finalized.
He considers these steps may pass a new quality to Armenia-EU relations. Reflecting to Armenia-EU priority directions, he stated that there are five of them.
““The first priority direction is the electoral process. The European Union has provided a serious monetary assistance in order to successfully hold parliamentary elections in Armenia on April 2. We will keep in our spotlight the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Secondly, The EU wants to continue discussions with Armenia aimed at improving the business environment. “We will hold discussions with the Government, business companies, especially with the European Business Union. This is also a very important component in contacts with our Armenian partner.
The third priority direction will be the EU’s assistance directed towards the fight against corruption. Piotr Świtalski said the European Union has provided over 15 million Euro aimed at assisting Armenia in the fight against corruption. “We are ready to work together in order to make the results visible for the Armenian public.
The fourth priority direction of Armenia-EU cooperation is going to be the implementation of budget support agreement related to the human rights protection. The agreement is very important for Armenia and the EU. The fifth priority direction will be a discussion on how to strengthen the independence of judiciary,” the Ambassador said.
He stated that last year was a busy, but successful year.
By Araks Martirosyan
