Armenia to continue developing effective mechanisms with EU in tune with other formats of cooperation

YEREVAN, March 7. /ARKA/. Armenia remains steadfast in its determination to develop effective mechanisms for cooperation with the European Union, which, on one hand, will reflect previous discussions with the EU, and on the other hand, will be compatible with other formats of cooperation, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said Thursday in Dublin at a session of European People’s Party. 

“We appreciate the assistance that the European Union and its member States have been backing Armenia in its social-economic and institutional development, strengthening of our Government agencies, reform of the public sector, fight against corruption and reduction of poverty,” he said in his speech.  

“About two weeks ago the National Security Council of Armenia approved an action plan for cooperation between Armenia and the EU in 2014 and 2015. We are committed to continue our efforts at seeking effective cooperation mechanisms with the EU, which will both reflect the essence of the preceding discussions we had with the EU and are compatible with the other cooperation formats.”

Pointing outs that the European Union and Eastern Partnership face challenges now, the president said: “The Ukrainian events are a matter of serious concern to all of us. We regret profoundly that numerous human lives’ losses were registered in Kiev. Under the existing circumstances it is necessary to take all possible measures in order to ease the tension and find reasonable solutions by the means of a dialogue.”

“As in the past we believe that expanding and deepening relations with a partner should not result in the emergence of new dividing lines. Armenia will continue its policy of complementing and harmonizing interests,” Sargsyan said. 

He said the European Parliament election to be conducted in May will be an important stage in the Europe’s political life. “I believe that the European People’s Party will anew gain high trust of the Europeans and remain the driving force of the European progress, the champion and carrier of the reforms. The EPP’s victory will allow renewed effort in building a peaceful and prosperous Europe to come true,” the presidential press office quoted him as saying. -0----