EU: Armenian reforms prove the country has chosen the right way

PanARMENIAN.Net - "We have entered an important stage. We have launched implementation of the Armenia-EU Action Plan in the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy," European Commission's Acting Director for Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia, Mr Gunnar Wiegand told a news conference in Yerevan.



He said Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian will meet with Mr Raul de Luzenberger, Charge d'Affaires of the Delegation of the EC to Armenia, Mr Javier Solana, the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Mr Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission in Luxembourg October 15. Armenian President Robert Kocharian is expected to visit Brussels in November.



"The reforms the Armenian government carries out in political and economic fields prove that the country has chosen the right way. We are surprised at the changes that have taken place during a year since the signature of the Armenia-EU Action Plan," Mr Wiegand said.



He noted that 1/3 of investments come in Armenia from Europe. 50 per cent of Armenian export is meant for European market. "We pay special attention to development of private business, since it secures export. 3 years ago the EU allotted 10 million euros within TASIS program. This year the sum will amount to 21 million while in 2008 it will reach 24 million euros. The funds will be spent for support of private business and make the produce correspond to European standards," Mr Wiegand said.



He marked stability, democratic society, poverty reduction as priorities of cooperation. "As to creation of a free trade zone, we are awaiting conclusions of independent experts. If they draw a positive inference we will proceed to serious talk about creation of such a zone," he said.