168 ZHAM: ARMENIA NEVER PLANNED TO SIGN ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT, SAYS BRUSSELS ANALYST
12:25 ~U 12.10.13
A policy analyst from Brussels has told the paper that despite the
recent developments reflecting Armenia's political U-turn towards the
Eurasian Customs Union, the country never before had any intention
to sign an association agreement with the EU.
Speaking to the paper, Amanda Paul noted that Armenia's efforts
have been so far directed only to the initialing, not the signing of
the agreement.
According to the paper, the European analyst said that the Deep and
Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement is intermingled with
the Association deal, which means more time will be needed now for
the preparation of a new document.
The paper quotes Paul as saying that the Association Agreement is aimed
at deepening the political association with the EU and assisting the
establishment of European values in Armenia.
The paper notes that an association agreement without the DCFTA
component is restricted only to two chapters: general foreign policy
and security, and justice and home affairs. A third chapter, which
implies sectoral cooperation, becomes considerably weakened without
the DCFTA agreement, adds the paper.
The European official has further said that if Armenia expects
financial assistance and visa facilitation from the EU, it has to
implement the required reform. She noted in the meantime, that EU,
which still remains interested in Armenia, will do everything possible
to develop further its relations with the country.
Armenian News - Tert.am
12:25 ~U 12.10.13
A policy analyst from Brussels has told the paper that despite the
recent developments reflecting Armenia's political U-turn towards the
Eurasian Customs Union, the country never before had any intention
to sign an association agreement with the EU.
Speaking to the paper, Amanda Paul noted that Armenia's efforts
have been so far directed only to the initialing, not the signing of
the agreement.
According to the paper, the European analyst said that the Deep and
Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement is intermingled with
the Association deal, which means more time will be needed now for
the preparation of a new document.
The paper quotes Paul as saying that the Association Agreement is aimed
at deepening the political association with the EU and assisting the
establishment of European values in Armenia.
The paper notes that an association agreement without the DCFTA
component is restricted only to two chapters: general foreign policy
and security, and justice and home affairs. A third chapter, which
implies sectoral cooperation, becomes considerably weakened without
the DCFTA agreement, adds the paper.
The European official has further said that if Armenia expects
financial assistance and visa facilitation from the EU, it has to
implement the required reform. She noted in the meantime, that EU,
which still remains interested in Armenia, will do everything possible
to develop further its relations with the country.
Armenian News - Tert.am