Speaking to Radio Liberty station, EU foreign policy spokesman Peter Stano referred to the proposals of former European officials on strengthening Armenia's security.
՞We are aware of many proposals from various actors, but according to the working rules of the European Union, issues related to relations with third countries are discussed by the member states, that is, by the current governments. In our case, for example, it is the Council of Foreign Relations. In November, when the foreign ministers discussed issues of further cooperation with Armenia, they pointed out three areas where we can do more: the European Peace Fund, strengthening the resilience of Armenia's economy and society, and liberalizing the visa regime. These are the areas the EU has outlined and that it wants to focus on right now. We have also specified other areas where we want to focus our expanded cooperation: communication, energy sector, issues related to strengthening the economy. So, of course, there are many proposals, but in the end it is about the demand presented by Armenia and the proposal presented by the European Union in response, and if they coincide, an agreement can be reached,՞ said Stano.
Responding to the rumors about Armenia's withdrawal from the integration structures with Russia, whether it is “homework” for Yerevan, Stano noted that Armenia's “homework” is the continuation of reforms.
“We are talking about bringing Armenia closer to the EU politically and economically. And that includes, of course, work on reforms: strengthening and reforming democratic institutions, of course, necessary economic reforms, ensuring the rule of law, fighting corruption. And in this matter, Armenia has done a great job. This was evaluated today and continues to be evaluated. But, of course, there are problems that still need to be improved,” Stano said.
He added that the EU has never said that in order to work with it, it is necessary to give up relations with Russia. “The EU is not an actor that says if you want to work with us, you have to give up all other partners. We are in favor of inclusive cooperation. If you think it is important or good or beneficial in your interests to have some kind of cooperation with Russia, you can have it, as long as it does not conflict with EU policy, such as our sanctions policy. So if you are developing closer ties with the EU, that doesn't mean you have to cut ties with any other partner. Whether you want to have Russian soldiers, Russian Federal Security Service, or any other Russian law enforcement agency on your land is your sovereign decision. We are not saying that if you want to get more from us, you should get rid of the Russians. The EU does not work like that,” the EU spokesperson said.
