Tuesday, June 3 2014

Revising the Armenia-EU relations is not so easy a process to launch today and complete tomorrow, Head of EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Traian Hristea told reporters, Tuesday.

According to the ambassador, that process involves several structures, such as the authorities and civil society of Armenia, the EU structures and at least 28 EU member-countries. Considering the internal discussions of the parties and discussions between the parties, one will make sure how long process it is, Hristea said. Cooperation is currently being revised and discussions are underway. This process will take some time, and when the results of the discussions become more distinct, the sides will start thinking of how to implement them in line with the Vilnius package of agreements, he said. According to Hristea, it is not easy and quick process, given the broad spectrum of cooperation in many sectors.  Traian Hristea said the EU continues discussions on cooperation with some ministries in specific sectors not to run contrary to Armenia's Sept 3 decision.

Asked in what fields Armenia will be cooperating with the EU, Ambassador Hristea said that the cooperation in specific sectors and the methods of cooperation are currently under consideration.  Simultaneously with revising the cooperation, the EU continues to implement the projects that have been already launched. He outlined the project of cooperation and partnership. New areas of cooperation in line with the new agreement are searched. It is a long process. Sometimes, it may seem that the process has stooped, but it is not so, the work is continued, Ambassador Hristea said.  He reiterated that Armenia can sign only a full packager of the Association Agreement, as DCFTA is an integral part of it.

According to him, there is a package of documents that include the declaration made at the Vilnius Summit, exchange of letters and Armenia's application for assistance in the field of democracy, human rights, supremacy of the law and anti-corruption activities. The cooperation is being revised, he said.