Including Armenia in Neighborhood Policy Shows EU Readiness to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union considers that «to become closer to Europe Armenia needs to undertake further efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, rule of law, respect of human rights and basic liberties,» says an EU statement, made at a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council after the speech of Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian. The document specifically notes, "The EU is content with steps undertaken by the Government of Armenia to promote political reforms, which include reforms of the Constitution and the Electoral Code, changes in the law on rallies and demonstrations. We urge all political forces of Armenia to active involvement and cooperation in the reforms and full use of the expert support of the EU, OSCE and CE." The new Ombudsman, elected by the Parliament of Armenia, should act as "a genuinely independent and neutral institution," the document runs.



«Including Armenia in the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) demonstrates EU readiness to strengthen relations with Armenia based on common democratic values, human rights, rule of law and market economy, as well as peaceful settlement of conflicts. We welcome the beginning of technical consultations with three South Caucasus states on the Action Plans. We are content Armenia highlights this talks,» the EU statement notes.