SOUTH CAUCASUS ACCESSION TO EU AND NATO POSSIBLE, LATVIAN SAEIMA SPEAKER STATEDMarch 10, 2005 - 10:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The accession of the countries of the South Caucasus to the EU and NATO is possible if these countries put such a goal and retain it irrespective of the change of political structures, Latvian Saeima Speaker Ingrida Udre. At that in her words, when it is possible, the issue depends on the readiness of the states to cooperate with various institutions and to meet certain criteria, as Latvia has done. «I can say that the way to the EU and the NATO is very difficult. It is for many reasons connected with not very popular reforms, passing non-popular laws and issues, referring to budget distribution,» I. Udre emphasized, adding that if politicians are ready to pass non-popular decisions, it will open opportunities for each state. Speaking of Wider Europe: New Neighbors program, the Latvian Saeima Speaker noted it aims at supporting democratic reforms in states, bordering with the EU, especially its new neighbors. «I think that the idea of such a new program is a very good one, as it provides for some financial resources,» I. Udre emphasized, adding that each state wants to see «friendly and democratic» neighbors next to itself. Top stories Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Partner news | Concept to complete Yerevan Cascade discussed at city hall A conceptual proposal to complete the Cascade complex in downtown Yerevan has been presented by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Pashinyan visits flood-hit region Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday, June 8 visited the disaster area in the Lori province. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State to travel to Armenia Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs James C. O’Brien will travel to Yerevan on June 10-12. Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life, Strong Mind IDBank and Idram summarize the results of the May program of “The Power of One Dram”. |