YEREVAN—A visit Wednesday by the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Štefan Füle to Armenia, signaled that the European Union and Armenia are edging closer to an association agreement, which has been in the works since last year.
At a meeting between Fule and President Serzh Sarkisian, parties praised Armenia-EU relations, the important cooperation carried out in the Eastern Partnership framework, and the progress made on negotiations for the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, which constitutes an integral part of the Association Agreement.
The participants of the meeting noted the progress in cooperation regarding population mobility, underscoring that the Agreements on Visa Facilitation and Readmission have already been signed and are now undergoing the process of ratification.
Füle also spoke about the preparation for the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, where a final agreement is being anticipated.
Sarkisian stressed that Armenia is determined to continue reinvigorating large-scale reforms implemented in different areas and is anticipating added assistance in the process.
Füle also met with Foreign Minister Nalbandian, who welcomed Europe’s continued support of Armenia’s reforms.
The two discussed issues related to the negotiation process within the framework of the Eastern Partnership.
Füle hailed the positive developments in Armenia-EU relations, underlining that Armenia is one of the frontrunners of the Eastern Partnership Program and reiterated the EU’s commitment to maintain its support for the process of reforms.
Füle voiced hope that the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement would be pre-signed during the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius.
The parties stressed the importance of ratification of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements.
In the context of Armenia’s presidency of the Council of Europe, the two attached importance to cooperation between the European Union and the Council of Europe.
Armenia, Europe Edging Closter to Association Deal
YEREVAN—A visit Wednesday welcomed by the European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, Štefan Füle to Armenia, signaled that the European Union and Armenia are edging closer to an association agreement, which has been in the works since last year.
At a meeting between Fule and President Serzh Sarkisian, parties praised Armenia-EU relations, the important cooperation carried out in the Eastern Partnership framework, and the progress made on negotiations for the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, which constitutes an integral part of the Association Agreement.
The participants of the meeting noted the progress in cooperation regarding population mobility, underscoring that the Agreements on Visa Facilitation and Readmission have already been signed and are now undergoing the process of ratification.
Füle also spoke about the preparation for the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, where a final agreement is being anticipated.
Sarkisian stressed that Armenia is determined to continue reinvigorating large-scale reforms implemented in different areas and is anticipating added assistance in the process.
Füle also met with Foreign Minister Nalbandian, who welcomed Europe’s continued support of Armenia’s reforms.
The two discussed issues related to the negotiation process within the framework of the Eastern Partnership.
Füle hailed the positive developments in Armenia-EU relations, underlining that Armenia is one of the frontrunners of the Eastern Partnership Program and reiterated the EU’s commitment to maintain its support for the process of reforms.
Füle voiced hope that the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement would be pre-signed during the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius.
The parties stressed the importance of ratification of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements.
In the context of Armenia’s presidency of the Council of Europe, the two attached importance to cooperation between the European Union and the Council of Europe.
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Careful boys, careful. Retain your sovereignty at all time, at all times. The EU is an economic, social and political entity whose membership entails renunciation to sovereign, rights, open borders, and other modern ailments. One of the prerequisites of becoming a member is the relinquishing of sovereignty. Certainly we did not survive the genocide to succumb to the entreaties of a passing phenomenom like the EU.
And our idiots are surprised that Russia is not feeling comfy-cozy about Armenia. Margaret Thatcher once said, those who stand in the middle get run over. Russia has been, is and will continue being the alpha and the omega of the Caucasus. Therefore, I hope Armenia’s miscalculations wont lead to the lose of Artsakh or worst.
Armenians are once again replicating the suicidal policies of their forefathers. One must search the deepest African jungle or the remotest Arabian desert to find a tribe of people more politically illiterate than Armenians. More I experience Armenians, more I realize Armenians don’t deserve independence.
Avetis,
I believe “mother Russia” double standard policy against Armenia is very crucial with Armenian foreign policy!!Actually Russia will get the benefits again from 2-nd Axeri and Artsakhi war and perhaps another cease fire by dictatorial “friendly” Russian brothers.The Losers will be Armenian public and more poverty and more Russian influence and more corruption in Armenia, and more emigration from Armenia to “mother Russia”.
Armenia must have good relationship with EU and keep Russia happy for their own oil security in Caspian basin!!! Armenia will get more benefits from European market and export, than mother Russia, who buy nothing from “poor” Armenia, except Ararat brandy for Kremlin internal consumption.
For 24 years Russia had a chance to prove to Armenia as a real partner and friend, so far Kremlin political forces work against Armenia’s foreign policy! Economy integration of Armenia with “European civilization” is a must and there will be no U turn, unless Russia arm Axerbaijan and force Armenia out of EU integration!!
One more thing: When the Diaspora puts aside its arrogance and political illiteracy, it may just realize that Armenia CANNOT survive in a violent and unforgiving place like the Caucasus without Russia. But let’s also realize that there are no free lunches or soup kitchens in politics. Therefore, Moscow will do whatever is necessary to keep Armenia dependent on Russia. I hope Moscow will do everything to ensure Armenia’s dependency… for Armenia’s life depends on it.
avetis.
could you please express yourself in more constuctive terms please?
your comments lose all their meaning when you use the words “idiots” and say things like “Armenians don’t deserve independence”. Be constructive, not destructive.
Craig,
I am calling it as I see it. I see Armenians acting politically stupid and suicidal. Armenians are Armenia’s biggest obstacle. I really not not believe Armenians are yet ready for ‘full’ independence: perhaps in a few generations, not now…
Avetis, you sound so naive or you are not real Armenian at all, that is the way Armenian politics has been in last 3000 years and somehow for strange reason it always has been working, the policy is that you don’t stick to one side, you always consider what the other side has to offer, it may seem dubious, but that is Armenian way!
The “political policy” we have been pursuing for the past two thousand years (i.e. standing in the middle of the road) has created Armenians who all themselves “Parsik”, Rus, Amerikatsi, Libanantsi, Turk, Fransatsi…