José Manuel Barroso hopes to develop and strengthen relations with Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission sent a congratulatory message to Mr Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia.



The message says,



"Dear Mr President,



On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to convey to you my congratulations on your election as the new President of the Republic of Armenia.



The European Commission looks forward to continuing to develop and strengthen relations with your country in the context of the European Union-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan.



Your government faces important challenges in promoting and implementing an agenda of political and economic reforms including the stabilisation of the democratic process and the dialogue among the different political forces and with civil society.



I would like to underline that despite current internal difficulties in Armenia the European Commission stands ready to accompany your efforts to build a prosperous State respecting human rights and the rule of law while pursuing successful economic and social development policies.



In this context, I hope your government will be able to further deepen democracy, notably in ensuring that electoral processes are held in full compliance with OSCE and other international standards for democratic elections. In this respect I trust that shortcomings identified by the 2008 International Election Observation Mission will be diligently addressed.



I assure you of my personal interest in all these undertakings."