Friday, 27 March 2009
RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received Raul Lutzenberger, head of EU delegation in Armenia, Tomas Knothe, ambassador of EU chair-in-office the Czech Republic. The delegation comprised members of EU Advisory Group.
Greeting the guests, the Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation to the leadership of the European Union which was prompt in responding to Armenia’s request for sending in a group of advisers. Tigran Sargsyan pointed out that Armenia will benefit a lot from the European expertise while implementing the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan and realizing fundamental reforms.
By stressing that the program is crucial to our country, Raul Lutzenberger informed that Armenia is the first European Neighborhood Policy-involved country to host a program like this. Due to be implemented in cooperation with the UNDP, this European Commission-financed program may be continued in future. The possibility of extending the program will be looked at upon completion of specific activities under the program. In introducing the advisory group members, the head of EU delegation in Armenia said they are going to provide consultancy to a number of government departments and agencies inclusive of the Staff of Government, the National Assembly, different ministries, as well as the Office of Human Rights Defender. Raul Lutzenberger and Tomas Knothe underscored that apart from its local relevance, the program is supposed to have a well-pronounced international impact.
Summing up the meeting, Tigran Sargsyan wished successful efforts to the advisory group by stressing the need for drafting and implementing an operational and effective action plan.