European Commission ready to open talks on association agreementsMay 26, 2010 - 21:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso reiterated support to development of democracy of Armenia during a meeting with RA President Serzh Sargsyan in Brussels. “We are willing to improve bilateral relations, including financial and technical assistance to the reform process. Positive results of our cooperation prompted decision to open talks on conclusion of an association agreement with Armenia,” Mr. Barroso said. “The European Commission is ready to open talks as soon as next July, featuring formation of a free trade zone, improvement of business environment and creation of job opportunities.” As a PanARMENIAN.Net correspondent reports from Brussels, visa regime relaxation was also in the focus of discussions. Referring to regional developments, Mr. Barroso voiced support to Armenian-Turkish rapprochement and called on both countries to continue the dialogue without preconditions. Commenting on the Karabakh process, he said, “The European Union developed a program to build confidence between the nations and I am hopeful that the Armenian President will support it.” President Sargsyan said for his part that Armenia highlights relations with the European Union and welcomed the decision to open talks on association agreement, what will bring the relationship to a new level. “I thank the European Commission for its contribution to reform process in Armenia,” he said. As to regional problems, the Armenian President emphasized that some countries are just gambling on the format of talks. “We believe that re-engagement of NKR in the negotiation process will considerably help the talks. The May 23 parliamentary election in the republic showed that people of Karabakh succeeded in building a democratic state,” he said, adding that interference of third countries, specifically Turkey, is inadmissible. “Openly supporting Azerbaijan, Turkey diminishes its constructive role in the region,” President Sargsyan concluded. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |