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PM Serge Sargsyan's Meetings In Brussels

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  • PM Serge Sargsyan's Meetings In Brussels

    PM SERGE SARGSYAN'S MEETINGS IN BRUSSELS

    armradio.am
    11.12.2007 14:45

    On a working visit to Brussels, RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan
    met with EU Secretary General Javier Solana on December 10th, RA
    Government's Information and Public Relations Department informs.

    Welcoming the Armenian Prime Minister to Brussels, Javier Solana
    mentioned that the visit came at the right time as presidential
    elections are ahead in Armenia.

    First of all, Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan conveyed RA President's
    greetings to the Secretary General of the European Union. Noting
    that he had so far been responsible for national security and defense
    affaires within the government of Armenia, Serge Sargsyan said that
    by taking a glance at the EU-Armenia Action Plan in the wake of his
    appointment to the post of Prime Minister, he was able to satisfy
    himself once again that the logic of the program was matching that
    of our country's development in respect of both internal and external
    policies.

    Serge Sargsyan stressed that elections as part of the democratic
    process are among the key challenges facing Armenia: "We are eager
    of holding good elections so as they are estimated as such not only
    by foreigners, but also by our nationals," the Prime Minister said.

    Among the major issues Armenia faces, Serge Sargsyan pointed to the
    settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the normalization of
    relations with Turkey, the implementation of second-generation reforms.

    Javier Solana expressed hope that the forthcoming presidential
    elections in Armenia will meet the international standards and offered
    the assistance of the European Union in this matter.

    The parties further discussed regional issues, including the settlement
    of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Serge Sargsyan reiterated Armenia's
    adherence to the peaceful resolution of this conflict. As he said,
    while warlike statements have grown in frequency on the part of
    Azerbaijan, yet there remain good possibilities for a negotiated
    settlement as there is no alternative thereto. Javier Solana agreed
    that the armed resolution of the conflict is inadmissible and that
    the European Union is determined to prevent the developments from
    aggravating to such an extent. The Prime Minister of Armenia said
    that, supported by the European Union, Armenia-Turkey relationship,
    too, could be settled and that our country suggests establishing
    diplomatic ties without preconditions.

    Javier Solana emphasized that the forthcoming elections should preclude
    any regression in the development of the country and in the settlement
    of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

    The EU Secretary-General said that after the presidential elections,
    the cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia
    will focus on the implementation of EU-Armenia Action Plan under the
    European Neighborhood Policy, as well as other key areas high on the
    bilateral agenda.

    In conclusion, Javier Solana wished every success to Prime Minister
    Serge Sargsyan and to our country.

    During the meeting with EU Commissioner for Science and Research
    Janes Potochnik, Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan stressed that along
    with expanding the cooperation with the European Union as a whole,
    direct contacts should be established with the commissioners in
    charge of specific sectors, especially with those commissioners
    responsible for areas prioritized by the European Neighborhood
    Policy action plan. He said that, in this light, the meeting with
    Mr. Potochnik was a key one because science and research, which have
    traditionally been important to Armenia, still fall short of modern
    market requirements in our country considering that the government
    has adopted a research-extensive-economy-oriented policy. In this
    context, speaking about the reforms aimed at streamlining research
    in Armenia, the Armenian Prime Minister stressed the importance of
    the assistance received from the European Commission in the form
    of consultancy, seminars, workshops, etc. He similarly prioritized
    those EU programs involving Armenia by placing a special focus on
    the framework programs and "Marie Cury" project. At the same time,
    noting that sometimes funds fail to be distributed equally under
    such programs due to high competition, he suggested establishing a
    simplified procedure or quotas for those countries incorporated in
    the European Neighborhood Policy. Serge Sargsyan said that Armenia
    keeps track of the possibilities of scientific cooperation with the
    EU in the framework regional organizations, in particular, with the
    Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization.

    The parties further discussed the measures and mechanisms necessary
    for Armenia's integration with the European research zone.

    This meeting with Janes Potochnik was followed by Prime Minister Serge
    Sargsyan's talks with Chairman of the European People's Party Wilfred
    Martens, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and the Mayor
    of Brussels Freddy Tielmans.

    Today the delegation headed by RA Prime Minister left for Strasbourg,
    where Serge Sargsyan is expected to have meetings with with the
    Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis, President of
    the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pottering, Chairman of the European
    Parliament's Committee on Foreign Relations Yatsek Sariush-Volski
    and EU Commissioner for Foreign Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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