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PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF GERMANY'S FOREIGN POLICY IN SOUTH CAUCASUS IS TO PROMOTE ESTABLISHMENT OF SECURITY AND SUPREMACY OF LAW

The exclusive interview given to ARMINFO by Germany's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Volker Seitz.

Q: Today is the regular anniversary of Germany's reunification. What achievements have been made over the last years in the country's economy, policy and culture?

A: After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany was reunited by the consent of all of its neighbors and allies. It's the first time in our history that Germany is surrounded by friends and partners only and we consider it a future commitment.

In Germany we are engaged in creating equal life conditions all over the country and in uniting the two societies which have been developing under different social, economic and psychological conditions for decades. Considerable progress has been made, for example, in the construction of buildings with ultramodern facilities over the new federal lands. Nevertheless, much has to be done yet.

Not only Germany's reunification but also the global changes on the international arena caused the Central and Eastern European nations to expect freedom and the end of the cold war. Challenged by globalization and outbursts of conflicts in many parts of the world, Germany, like many other states, has to revise its foreign policy. Nevertheless, there are two basic principles we are not going to change. First, it's the need to implement a consistent foreign policy and, second, we are open to multilateral involvement. For example, Germany's participation in international organizations has become a key factor facilitating the country's overcoming its historically ambiguous position in Europe.

Q: What are the interests of Berlin in the South Caucasian region?

A: The primary objective of Germany's foreign policy is to promote the establishment of security and supremacy of law all over the world. The same is our mission in Armenia. We are hopeful that we will achieve that by promoting the process of Armenia's integration in the regional cooperation.

Q: How would you qualify the current level of the relations between Armenia and Germany and what are the prospects for their development?

A: Despite the recent growth in the trade turnover between Germany and Armenia, our trade-economic cooperation is full. I'd like to see more German agencies, companies and representations in Armenia than now.

Germany's economic cooperation development with Armenia is very active at all the levels. Two units of the Kanaker water-power plant, the Kamo and Vanadzor power plants and Armavir's water supply system are being restored due to the German Government's credits. The GAF has to date ensured the allocation of 1,400 credits. Several thousand jobs have been created due to these credits. Besides, Germany renders technical assistance in the conduct of legal consultations, supports the SME and public utilities development. The German side also manages the Financial Banking College, which is the only institution in Armenia training bank assistants meeting the market requirements. The German Red Cross implements many humanitarian projects providing children's and medical centers with assistance.

In culture Germany supports mainly the German language studies at Armenia's schools and higher educational institutions. Three experts are drafting curricula, giving courses, training teachers and providing many institutions with equipment and literature.

Q: What are the prospects for investment of the German capital in Armenia's economy and in what branches may look forward to receiving them?

A:As a German representation, Germany's Embassy in Yerevan, has no right to compel German companies to invest their capital in Armenia's economy. German companies have their own commercial interests and thoroughly weigh profit possibilities and economic risks. Despite many new economic laws, the investment climate in Armenia still needs improvement. As for German companies they prefer to operate in stable and reliable businesslike climate. In general I see some prospects for investing the German capital in Armenia's mining and ITs.

2 October
ARMINFO