NEWS

Ashton welcomes Armenian reform efforts in meeting with President Sargsyan

28-06-2012

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan held talks with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton in Brussels today. In a statement, Ashton welcomed recent reform achievements in Armenia, but expressed concern at tensions along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
 
The statement, issued by Ashton's spokesperson, said they had discussed the recent evolution of EU-Armenia bilateral relations, and reviewed the implementation of internal reforms in Armenia.
 
Ashton welcomed the efforts by the Armenian authorities to hold the recent parliamentary elections in a more transparent and competitive environment, but highlighted the need to address a number of issues, identified by the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission’s Report, in order fully to meet internationally recognised democratic standards well ahead of presidential elections scheduled for 2013.
 
The High Representative also welcomed recent reform achievements in Armenia as reflected in the European Neighbourhood (ENP) Progress Report published on 15 May. The statement said she noted with pleasure that Armenia had recently launched Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area negotiations with the EU, having implemented a number of recommendations from the European Commission. "At the same time she stressed the need for further reforms in other areas such as human rights and fundamental freedoms."
 
The EU foreign policy chief also expressed concern at the serious armed incidents in early June along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the Line of Contact in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and regretted the loss of life as well as the hardship of those affected by the conflict, urging the two sides to step up their efforts for a peaceful solution to the conflict. "The High Representative added that progress in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is vital if Armenia’s political association and economic integration with the EU is to achieve its full potential." (EU Neighbourhood Info)
 
Read more
 
Ashton statement
 
EU Neighbourhood Info Centre – EU assesses progress in relations with Armenia: new country report released
 
EU Neighbourhood Info Centre webpage - Armenia
 
EU Delegation – Armenia
 
 
 

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