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OFFICIAL BRUSSELS NOT TO SLOW DOWN TALKS WITH ARMENIA - EU OFFICIAL
NEWS.AM
February 22, 2013 | 17:21
YEREVAN.- Official Brussels will not slow down negotiations with
Yerevan because of the recent Armenian presidential election, but
it is necessary for the authorities to continue reforms and address
deficiencies for greater convergence with the European family.
Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs Elmar
Brok spoke about EU-Armenia relations in an interview with RFE/RL.
Asked whether he shares the view of Sweden's Foreign Minister who said
elections were below expectations, Brok noted that all post-Soviet
states have drawbacks.
EU official said none of the post-Soviet states can be identified as
a fully democratic country, therefore the most important thing is "to
follow that progress will continue in line with European standards."
Elmar Brok noted that he voiced criticism over shortcomings registered
during the presidential elections and had already informed Armenian
officials about it.
However, the EU official stressed that elections will not slow down
talks on the Association Agreement and free trade area, at the same
time noting it depends on several factors. Armenian authorities must
better fight against corruption and ensure effective rule of law,
to provide a real opportunity to take advantage of the election,
which, in his view, means that the opposition should have an equal
opportunity to come to power.
"For some reason, these requirements have not been met. As a result,
Armenia has not yet received the status of an associate member of
the European Union, the negotiations are still underway," he said.
NEWS.AM
February 22, 2013 | 17:21
YEREVAN.- Official Brussels will not slow down negotiations with
Yerevan because of the recent Armenian presidential election, but
it is necessary for the authorities to continue reforms and address
deficiencies for greater convergence with the European family.
Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs Elmar
Brok spoke about EU-Armenia relations in an interview with RFE/RL.
Asked whether he shares the view of Sweden's Foreign Minister who said
elections were below expectations, Brok noted that all post-Soviet
states have drawbacks.
EU official said none of the post-Soviet states can be identified as
a fully democratic country, therefore the most important thing is "to
follow that progress will continue in line with European standards."
Elmar Brok noted that he voiced criticism over shortcomings registered
during the presidential elections and had already informed Armenian
officials about it.
However, the EU official stressed that elections will not slow down
talks on the Association Agreement and free trade area, at the same
time noting it depends on several factors. Armenian authorities must
better fight against corruption and ensure effective rule of law,
to provide a real opportunity to take advantage of the election,
which, in his view, means that the opposition should have an equal
opportunity to come to power.
"For some reason, these requirements have not been met. As a result,
Armenia has not yet received the status of an associate member of
the European Union, the negotiations are still underway," he said.