European Commission ready to open talks on association agreements

PanARMENIAN.Net - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso reiterated support to development of democracy of Armenia during a meeting with RA President Serzh Sargsyan in Brussels.

“We are willing to improve bilateral relations, including financial and technical assistance to the reform process. Positive results of our cooperation prompted decision to open talks on conclusion of an association agreement with Armenia,” Mr. Barroso said. “The European Commission is ready to open talks as soon as next July, featuring formation of a free trade zone, improvement of business environment and creation of job opportunities.”

As a PanARMENIAN.Net correspondent reports from Brussels, visa regime relaxation was also in the focus of discussions.

Referring to regional developments, Mr. Barroso voiced support to Armenian-Turkish rapprochement and called on both countries to continue the dialogue without preconditions.

Commenting on the Karabakh process, he said, “The European Union developed a program to build confidence between the nations and I am hopeful that the Armenian President will support it.”

President Sargsyan said for his part that Armenia highlights relations with the European Union and welcomed the decision to open talks on association agreement, what will bring the relationship to a new level. “I thank the European Commission for its contribution to reform process in Armenia,” he said.

As to regional problems, the Armenian President emphasized that some countries are just gambling on the format of talks. “We believe that re-engagement of NKR in the negotiation process will considerably help the talks. The May 23 parliamentary election in the republic showed that people of Karabakh succeeded in building a democratic state,” he said, adding that interference of third countries, specifically Turkey, is inadmissible.

“Openly supporting Azerbaijan, Turkey diminishes its constructive role in the region,” President Sargsyan concluded.