Thursday, 27 September 2012
PM Welcomes Stefan Füle
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan received a delegation led by EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Stefan Füle. “We are confident that your visit will give a new impetus to our bilateral cooperation. A large amount of work has been carried out in recent period: our commitments have been met in full and in a timely manner,” the Prime Minister said.
The head of government stressed that one of Armenia’s primary goals is to sign a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement: Noting the successful pace of the reform process and bilateral talks, the Prime Minister emphasized Armenia’s readiness to further this process.
Appreciative of the Government’s successful effort, Stefan Füle stressed the need to keep up maintain the high potential of reforms,” the High commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy assured. Highlighting the progress in visa facilitation and readmission agreement-related talks, Stefan Füle said relevant arrangements may be signed in the near future.
Noting that the European Union will henceforth abide by the “More for More” principle, the EU Commissioner reminded that in 2012 alone the European Commission allocated €60 million followed by additional €15 million under the “More for More” principle. In this context, Stefan Füle suggested substituting the EU-Armenia action plan with an association agenda.
The interlocutors evoked the preparations for the upcoming donors’ conference.
The parties next referred to the pardon issued by the Azerbaijani president for international murderer Ramil Safarov. Tigran Sargsyan pointed out that the European nations should be positive on their assessment of this issue. The head of government called Mr. Füle’s attention on Azerbaijan’s warlike policy, ever-growing military spending in preparation for a war with Armenia. The Premier said that the EU should stress that it would never tolerate the use of force, otherwise the EU will have to apply international sanctions against the offender.
After the meeting, the following documents were signed between the European Commission and the Republic of Armenia: “European Union – Armenia in accordance with the Framework Program - Annual Action Program 2011” and “Support to the Government of Armenia and the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan for the future Association Agreement - Phase 2-Year Action Plan 2011 financial agreements.
The agreements, which will provide a total of 43 million euros in aid, were signed by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and European Union Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Stefan Füle.
