Brussels, 09/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 9 December, Armenia's Minister for Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian confirmed his country's resolve to continue its cooperation with the EU. At the end of the 14th EU-Armenia Cooperation Council, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle said that, while the content of the discussions is different because of Armenia's commitment to the customs union, “what remains the same, is our desire and resolve to continue to have a close relationship and take it forward, based on what we have achieved so far”. He thus confirmed the need to review the basis of their bilateral relations and to adjust the European neighbourhood policy action plan.
Nalbandian said that “the continued support and assistance of the EU can play a role in the effective and lasting establishment of the reform process in Armenia” (our translation). Füle hailed Erevan's progress and commitment to continue, while encouraging Armenia to accelerate its efforts on democracy and the rule of law, the fight against corruption, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and judicial reform. Nalbandian recalled his country's determination to develop sectoral cooperation and a framework for developing trade and investment.
EU calls for respect of civil society. Füle also stressed the importance of civil society in the reform process. He called on the government to ensure there is no intimidation of civil society representatives and human rights campaigners, and to follow up on certain cases from the past and bring those responsible to justice.
Armenia and the EU welcomed Erevan's progress on visas, with the entry into force in January of the agreement on facilitation and readmission. The Council also returned to the implementation of the objectives of the Eastern Partnership statements. The conflict in Nagorno Karabakh, and the meetings between the representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan were also discussed. (CG/transl.fl)