2008 was a difficult year not only for Europe but also for all Eastern partners. August war, global recession and gas conflict between Moscow and Kiev strongly affected EU eastern partners, slowing down reform processes, Raul de Lutzenberger, Head of Eurocomission's mission in Armenia, announced in Yerevan, during a discussion devoted to European Neighborhood Policy and Eastern Partnership.

"Armenia was strongly affected by last year's war and economic recession, as well as internal political crisis following presidential elections. All that influenced the process of implementing European Neighborhood Policy," Ambassador stressed.

According to him, Armenia became more active in the sphere of regional cooperation after initiating a dialogue with Turkey. "Yerevan and Ankara started 'football diplomacy' and later declared about the road map," European diplomat said, noting Armenia's progress in spheres of transport, migration issues and fight against trafficking. "In the meantime, human rights and democracy situation has deteriorated following March 1-2, 2008 incidents. Considering all that, EU Advisory Group and RA Ombudsman's Office are elaborating an action plan on human rights protection," Lutzenberger said.