The EU welcomes the progress made in the negotiations with Armenia, in particular the Association Agreement, the start for talks on free trade area agreement and visa facilitation agreement.

In the conclusions on South Caucasus, the Council of the European Union encouraged Armenia to “pursue further reforms in strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing the independence of judiciary, encouraging political pluralism, freedom of and equal access to media as well as ensuring protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the EU will continue to support these reform efforts.”

“The EU underlines the importance of effectively fighting corruption and welcomes Armenia’s

declared commitment to address corruption. Real progress in this area remains fundamental

for economic growth and development,” reads the report.

The Council also stressed importance of ensuring that the Parliamentary elections in May

2012 and the Presidential elections in 2013 meet internationally recognized democratic standards and will closely monitor developments in Armenia leading up to the elections.