Secretary of security council of Armenia is satisfied with annual activity of european consultants

YEREVAN, July 14. /ARKA/. Artur Baghdasaryan, Secretary of National Security Council of Armenia expressed his satisfaction for the annual activity of European consultants in Armenia.

It was agree to send EU consultants to Armenia during the visit of Serzh Sargsyan, President of Armenia to Brussels in November 2008. The aim of the group is provision of consulting services to state bodies of Armenia for effective implementation of the action program of “European neighborhood” policy in the context of political and economic reforms.

Political cooperation of Armenia with EU includes reforms in 190 directions and 18 EU consultants assisted in reformation process.

“We established Diplomatic Academy in Armenia which is the result of the work of EU consulting group”, said Baghdasaryan.

Due to EU consultants serious steps were undertaken in facilitation of visa procedures. Citizens of Armenia having diplomatic and service passports go to European countries.

Another important step is preparation for negotiations on association and signing an agreement on free trade.

“Serious reforms were made in customs sphere. In its result, customs clearing procedure was facilitated and additional red tape was eliminated. In future, reforms will take place in agriculture and healthcare”, said Baghdasaryan.

He expressed hope that the consulting group will continue its activity in Armenia.

It was the first EU program in Armenia. EU intends to implement such programs in Moldova, Georgia and other countries.

Rolf Boehnke, Head of EU Consulting Group said that the same consultants are included in the next phase of implementation of the program. He thanked Baghdasaryan for assisting the consulting group. G.K.—0--