Brussels, 22/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 19 April, the EU and Armenia signed an agreement on the readmission of individuals residing without authorisation in the EU. The main aim of this agreement is to establish, on the basis of reciprocity, rapid and efficient identification and repatriation procedures for the safe and orderly return of people illegally living in the EU, states a Council press release. Following approval by the European Parliament, this agreement will come into force at the same time as another agreement on visa facilitation for Armenian nationals, signed on 17 December last. The agreement of 19 April focuses on the readmission of Armenian nationals, as well as the readmission of third country nationals and stateless persons. The obligation to readmit third-country nationals or stateless persons does not apply if: the person concerned has only been in airside transit via an international airport of the requested state (Armenia); or the requesting state has issued to the person concerned a visa or residence authorisation that has a longer period of validity than the document the person might hold from the requested state. The United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark are not party to this agreement. (SP/transl.fl)