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Jose Manuel Barroso: EU fully supports Armenia's reforms and
modernization agenda
armradio.am
07.03.2012 11:19
`We fully support the [Armenia] President's reform and modernization
agenda, and we remain committed to deepen our engagement with Armenia
in the framework of the Eastern Partnership,' President of the
European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said at a joint press
conference with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. `I am happy to say
that because of this reformist drive our relations are moving forward
and making good progress,' he added.
`Indeed, we are now ready to launch talks on a Deep and Comprehensive
Free Trade Area, which is part and parcel of the Association Agreement
that we are already negotiating with Armenia. This is to a large
extent, the result of Armenia's efforts to comply with our 'key
recommendations,' Mr. Barroso said, congratulating the Armenian
leadership in this process.
According to him, `the opening of the DCFTA negotiations marks a
turning point in our trading and economic relationship, providing new
opportunities for our citizens and businesses. This is also a sign
that our ties are getting stronger.'
`Armenia should now continue to advance in its trade and trade-related
reforms and work towards reaching a stable, transparent and
predictable economic environment. This is essential, we believe, to
attract foreign investment and also to stimulate growth and job
creation.'
`The relationship between the European Union and Armenia is not only
about the economy or trade or mobility. But it is also about the
universal values that we share. Democracy, fundamental rights and the
rule of law are at the core of the Association Agreement that we are
negotiating with Armenia and they are the solid foundations of our
present and also our future relations,' President of the European
Commission stated.
`The next parliamentary and presidential elections will be an
important benchmark in Armenia reform's path. I am reassured by the
President's commitment that these elections will be conducted in
accordance with democratic international standards - and just now the
President has reiterated that very clearly to me. You can count with
our support in this regard,' he said.
`Peace and regional stability are also necessary to advance our common
goals. I re-affirmed the urgent need to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict. The EU continues to support the efforts of the OSCE Minsk
Group and we stand ready, in full complementarity with the Minsk
Group, to provide enhanced support for confidence building measures if
the parties so wish.
I am convinced that with strong political will on both sides there is
a solution to end this conflict. In parallel with an agenda for
reforms we also need an agenda for peace,' Mr. Barroso said, adding
that `here is still a long road ahead to continue and complete the
important negotiations and to strengthen the partnership with
Armenia.'
`From the part of the European Commission, Armenia can count on a
steadfast friend and partner,' Barroso concluded.
From: Baghdasarian
modernization agenda
armradio.am
07.03.2012 11:19
`We fully support the [Armenia] President's reform and modernization
agenda, and we remain committed to deepen our engagement with Armenia
in the framework of the Eastern Partnership,' President of the
European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso said at a joint press
conference with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. `I am happy to say
that because of this reformist drive our relations are moving forward
and making good progress,' he added.
`Indeed, we are now ready to launch talks on a Deep and Comprehensive
Free Trade Area, which is part and parcel of the Association Agreement
that we are already negotiating with Armenia. This is to a large
extent, the result of Armenia's efforts to comply with our 'key
recommendations,' Mr. Barroso said, congratulating the Armenian
leadership in this process.
According to him, `the opening of the DCFTA negotiations marks a
turning point in our trading and economic relationship, providing new
opportunities for our citizens and businesses. This is also a sign
that our ties are getting stronger.'
`Armenia should now continue to advance in its trade and trade-related
reforms and work towards reaching a stable, transparent and
predictable economic environment. This is essential, we believe, to
attract foreign investment and also to stimulate growth and job
creation.'
`The relationship between the European Union and Armenia is not only
about the economy or trade or mobility. But it is also about the
universal values that we share. Democracy, fundamental rights and the
rule of law are at the core of the Association Agreement that we are
negotiating with Armenia and they are the solid foundations of our
present and also our future relations,' President of the European
Commission stated.
`The next parliamentary and presidential elections will be an
important benchmark in Armenia reform's path. I am reassured by the
President's commitment that these elections will be conducted in
accordance with democratic international standards - and just now the
President has reiterated that very clearly to me. You can count with
our support in this regard,' he said.
`Peace and regional stability are also necessary to advance our common
goals. I re-affirmed the urgent need to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict. The EU continues to support the efforts of the OSCE Minsk
Group and we stand ready, in full complementarity with the Minsk
Group, to provide enhanced support for confidence building measures if
the parties so wish.
I am convinced that with strong political will on both sides there is
a solution to end this conflict. In parallel with an agenda for
reforms we also need an agenda for peace,' Mr. Barroso said, adding
that `here is still a long road ahead to continue and complete the
important negotiations and to strengthen the partnership with
Armenia.'
`From the part of the European Commission, Armenia can count on a
steadfast friend and partner,' Barroso concluded.
From: Baghdasarian