23/07/2014 14:22
Armenia seeks closer relations with European Union
“Armenia wants to develop its partnership with the EU on the basis of jointly achieved results and progress of recent years. Armenia also expects further steps on the formation of new legal bases of cooperation with the EU, which on the one hand should reflect what has already been achieved during negotiations with our country, and on the other hand it should take new realities into account,” Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan said at the Brussels meeting of foreign ministers of the EU and Eastern Partnership states, Armenian Foreign Ministry said.
According to the minister, assistance of the EU plays an important role in the implementation of reforms in Armenia and strengthening its democratic and institutional capacities.
E. Nalbandyan said Armenia wants to start a dialog about a visa-free regime with the EU, based on successful experience of the agreements on visa facilitation and readmission.
In his words, Turkey prevents Armenia from using transport routes to the European Union.
“Continuing to keep the border with Armenia closed, Turkey hinders the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations and the operation by Armenia of transport and communication routes with the EU,” Nalbandyan said.
“Paradoxically, while seeking accession to the EU, Turkey closed the border with a neighboring country, although free movement in the EU is a fundamental principle,” Armenian foreign minister said.
Speaking about the Karabakh conflict, E. Nalbandyan stressed the need to prepare peoples for peace.
“Unfortunately, Azerbaijan is doing the opposite, escalating the situation on the border with Armenia and on the Line of Contact with Nagorno Karabakh,” Nalbandyan said.
In his words, Armenia is committed to a conflict resolution based on the principles of international law. He expressed regret that Azerbaijan does not display a political will, as evidenced by its rejection of all proposals made by the mediators.