YEREVAN (Panorama)—In an interview with Panorama.am, the Vice President of the European Parliament, Ryszard Czarnecki, who was in Armenia on an official visit, spoke about the prospects of cooperation between Armenia and the EU.
Czernecki, who is also a historian and who has visited Armenia many times, stressed that Armenia is an integral part of Europe both historically and culturally.
He said that the EU is therefore interested in having closer relations with Armenia, despite Armenia’s decision to join the Russian-led Eurasian Union.
Commenting on statements made by French President Francois Holland and by Latvia’s Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, who called for a new type of Association Agreement with Armenia, the Czernecki said that “the EU is open for every form of cooperation with Armenia.”
As for the future of the EU, the parliamentary leader said that EU enlargement is envisioned, but that it will be a slow, step-by-step process.
Czarnecki also spoke about the upcoming meeting of Euronest, the parliamentary component of the EU’s Eastern Partnership, which is going to take place in Yerevan in March. Czarnecki said he regrets that Azerbaijan may be boycotting the session as it wouldn’t be beneficial for Azerbaijan to miss a meeting in which important matters for the region are going to be discussed.
Czarnecki spoke positively about the recent strengthening of ties between Armenia and Iran and said he understand that it is in the national interests of Armenia to maintain the balance of power in regional relations and to cooperate not only with Russia, but also with the EU, Iran and other countries.
Asked about what Brussels thinks about Azerbaijan’s ballooning military budget with revenues it receives from energy projects with European countries, Czarnecki said that the EU is not responsible for energy policies of its members, as cooperation in this sector remains in the domain of sovereign states.
Czarnecki will be visiting Armenia again in March 2015 for the Euronest summit.
Why? So they can screw us over like they do the Greeks, Spaniards, Bulgarians, Cypriots, etc?
After the Genocide, Britain guaranteed Armenian freedom in the Caucasus. Armenia in the Caucasus was divided between advancing Soviet and Turkish troops. The French guaranteed an Armenian Protectorate in Cilicia. Armenian Cilicia was short-lived, swallowed by the Turkish Republic. Hell, the French even blew up Armenian barracks in Cilicia to help the Turks…
I guess they want us to be in part of Europe because a vampire cannot suck on another vampire. They need our blood.
Yes instead let’s get in bed with Russia. Sooooo much better.
Besides, Greeks, Spaniards, Bulgarians, Cypriots screwed themselves over because of their own internal corruption. You can only help stupid so much.
Armenia is and will be part of European civilization and does not matter if her security coincides with
Russia’s interest. Unique geopolitical location of Armenia will make Armenia more secure by EU, Russia, and US!
It will be a colossal mistake if we fail to take advantage of the opportunity presented at this historic moment in our nation’s history. Although our territory does not offer any natural resources, we still occupy prime real estate vis-à-vis geopolitics. We are now being openly courted by the West for no other reason then to tip the regional balance away from Mother Russia. This is the optimum moment to capitalize on our strength. Anything short of taking full advantage will result in perpetual bondage from the overbearing region power. It will take courage and determination to stand up and demand our rights. Nothing is easy, but with sacrifice and unity, a brighter future will be guaranteed for many future generations . Let’s not take the easy road by succumbing to threats and blackmail. Our future is in our hands, there is no power that can determine our faith.
Too late. Armenia has joined the EEU. Any relations with the EU will be small and trivial. Russia gets what Russia wants, regardless of what Armenia needs.
Historic moment in our history? Balderdash. Historic moment just like in 1915-1920. The EU is a walking carcass, a bankrupt commercial enterprise. We Armenians must ignore the EU syren call. We can only expect to be ranked lower than Greece, Bulgaria and the other poverty stricken rump constituent nations, should we fall under the influence of the EU. Those Armenians advocating EU orientation are advocating to become a Turkish colonial hamlet. Without the backing of Russia the Caucasus would become emptied of Armenians.
Well said.