EU expects no external intervention in talks with Armenia: official

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union believes the planned negotiations with Armenia on a new comprehensive political and economic agreement will not be derailed by Russian influence, a senior representative in Yerevan said, according to RFE/RL Armenian service.

In an interview with Azatutyun.am, Ambassador Piotr Switalski, head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, said statements by Russian officials, including a deputy Foreign Minister prove that Russia doesn't mind the development of ties between Brussels and Yerevan.

Last month the EU Foreign Affairs Council has authorized the European Commission to launch negotiations with Armenia.

In a clear policy u-turn in September 2013, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan unexpectedly announced the decision to take Armenia to a Russian-led customs union.

Yerevan and Brussels later began exploring possibilities of negotiating a less ambitious accord that would not contradict Armenia’s commitments as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union.

“I am confident that this negotiation will not be derailed by a third party’s negative involvement,” Switalski said in a Sunday, November 1 analytical show on Azatutyun TV. It is fundamental for the EU not to involve third parties in any negotiations on bilateral accords, he said.

“The European Union is the biggest donor in, the biggest export market for and the biggest direct investor in Armenia. The wish for a solid contractual basis for our relations is quite natural, given the EU’s role in the Armenian economy. So, I hope this time we will avoid complications and sudden turnarounds,” Switalski said.

The senior diplomat said the European Union is returning to negotiations with Armenia “in good faith.”

“The European Union has never tried to impose anything on Armenia or any other partner. The previous developments, however, have taught us a lesson, and I hope the Armenian authorities know exactly how far they can engage with the European Union,” said Switalski.