Andrey Kovatchev, Bulgarian member of the European Parliament, rapporteur on Armenian affairs, spoke at the session of the European Parliament on Armenia-EU relations.
“We have always supported Armenia's reforms aimed at establishing stability and democracy in the region. We support peace in the region and elimination of enmity between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Russia's cynical behavior should be noted. Armenia counted on his commitment and was deceived. Logically, this led to Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan freezing his country’s membership in the CSTO. Russia has never been an honest friend and ally for Armenia and has always followed its imperialist plans in the region and the world.
On the other hand, the European Union has a great interest in political stability and economic prosperity in the South Caucasus. From this point of view, the deepening of EU-Armenia relations is crucial. The EU is the biggest development donor in Armenia, the second trade partner. EU-Armenia relations have never been so strong and multifaceted, and Armenia is using the partnership agreement to implement internal reforms.
At the same time, the unsettled relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan hinder the socio-economic development and stability of Armenia in the region.
I support Prime Minister Pashinyan's efforts to hold bilateral and multilateral discussions with Azerbaijan to achieve peace between the two neighbors, following three principles: non-use of force, equal rights and self-determination of peoples.
We should deepen relations with Armenia in economic, financial, social, security and defense spheres. Armenia is not alone; we should grant visa liberalization to that republic as soon as possible. The European Union is with Armenia and the brave Armenian people,” Kovatchev said.
The Bulgarian MP finished his speech in Armenian: “God save Armenia” («Աստված պահապան Հայաստանին»).
