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ARMENIA'S PATH TOWARD EU IS NOT OVER - ZDZISLAW RACZYNSKI
October 10, 2013 | 15:49
YEREVAN. - Poland's Ambassador to Armenia ZdzisÅ~Baw RaczyÅ~Dski
called not to forget about the achievements in relations between
Armenia and the EU.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Ambassador explained
why at this stage the Association Agreement can not be initialed.
Figuratively speaking, the Association Agreement can be described
as a vehicle. Then, the agreement on free trade zone is the engine
and wheels. If the Armenian side confirms its readiness to sign the
political part of the agreement without a free trade zone, it is like
removing the engine and wheels from the vehicle.
Although at this stage the Association Agreement will not be initialed,
however, we must not forget about the achievements, Ambassador added.
"You can call me an optimist, but Armenia's path toward EU is not over,
only the pace has become slower," he emphasized.
At the same time, he added that perhaps Armenia is at crossroads,
and "turned her head to the Customs Union for a moment, but has not
yet taken any step." In this context, the Ambassador recalled about
different customs rates in the EU and the Customs Union.
Diplomat said the Association Agreement does not prohibit concluding
agreements with the countries of the Customs Union.
Asked about the fact that the EU's position has become softer after
the initial harsh reaction, the Ambassador said that showing they
are offended is a wrong approach.
"Poland and the EU are trying to be open to the countries of the
Eastern Partnership, because they are our neighbors," he stressed.
According to him, it all depends on the Armenian side and how it
wants to cooperate with the EU.
News from Armenia - NEWS.am
October 10, 2013 | 15:49
YEREVAN. - Poland's Ambassador to Armenia ZdzisÅ~Baw RaczyÅ~Dski
called not to forget about the achievements in relations between
Armenia and the EU.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Ambassador explained
why at this stage the Association Agreement can not be initialed.
Figuratively speaking, the Association Agreement can be described
as a vehicle. Then, the agreement on free trade zone is the engine
and wheels. If the Armenian side confirms its readiness to sign the
political part of the agreement without a free trade zone, it is like
removing the engine and wheels from the vehicle.
Although at this stage the Association Agreement will not be initialed,
however, we must not forget about the achievements, Ambassador added.
"You can call me an optimist, but Armenia's path toward EU is not over,
only the pace has become slower," he emphasized.
At the same time, he added that perhaps Armenia is at crossroads,
and "turned her head to the Customs Union for a moment, but has not
yet taken any step." In this context, the Ambassador recalled about
different customs rates in the EU and the Customs Union.
Diplomat said the Association Agreement does not prohibit concluding
agreements with the countries of the Customs Union.
Asked about the fact that the EU's position has become softer after
the initial harsh reaction, the Ambassador said that showing they
are offended is a wrong approach.
"Poland and the EU are trying to be open to the countries of the
Eastern Partnership, because they are our neighbors," he stressed.
According to him, it all depends on the Armenian side and how it
wants to cooperate with the EU.
News from Armenia - NEWS.am