Heike Renate Peitsch:

Germany is proud to be second, after U.S., donor-state for Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Germany occupies an important place in Armenia's foreign policy. Furthermore, frequent and close contacts contribute to development of bilateral relations. Germany is engaged in implementation of the Armenia-EU Action Plan within the European Neighborhood Policy. Presiding in the EU, Germany is interested in a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. German Ambassador to Armenia, Ms. Heike Renate Peitsch, who is completing her diplomatic mission in Armenia, comments to PanARMENIAN.Net on prospects of the Armenian-German relations.
Germany holds the presidency in the EU at present. Can you comment on the EU stance on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict? Do you think the OSCE Minsk Group format effective?

The EU stance on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict resolution is unchangeable: the only format for negotiations is the OSCE Minsk Group. The European Union rests on the OSCE decisions in the issue. The OSCE MG is the only structure capable to promote peaceful resolution of the problem.

What's your opinion about the implementation of the Armenia-EU Action plan within the ENP?

Germany has always assisted Armenia for integration into European structures. It concerns both the European Neighborhood Policy and Armenia-NATO IPAP.

As you remember the Armenia-EU Action plan was signed in November 2006. We render assistance to all of three South Caucasus states. Germany is interested in Armenia, which has chosen the right way towards formation of democratic society and human rights protection. Observance of these principles is included in the list of commitments Armenia undertook to the Council of Europe. We watch the process of fulfillment of commitments, which determines further cooperation of your country with European structures.

The parliamentary elections have demonstrated progress and largely met OSCE and CoE standards. There were also violations but we are hopeful they will not be repeated during the presidential election in 2008. Armenia needs fair elections and the republic should get prepared.

How do you assess the current stage of the Armenian-German relations?

During the recent years the Armenian-German relations were represented at the highest level. I would like to point out to the visit of Armenian President Robert Kocharian to Germany and the visit of German Foreign Minister Stienmeier to Yerevan in February.

We are proud that Germany is the second, after the United States, donor-state for Armenia. Our countries are cooperating in political and economy fields, not to mention cultural cooperation which includes numerous exhibitions, concerts, film shows. I am convinced that the relationship between Armenia and Germany will develop.

You are completing your mission in Armenia. Can you describe the feelings you are leaving Armenia with?

I have spent 3 interesting years here. The Armenian people deserve living in a developed democratic society which shares European values.

What did you like in Armenia most of all?

The people.
 At focus
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