YEREVAN.- Official Brussels will not slow down negotiations with Yerevan because of the recent Armenian presidential election, but it is necessary for the authorities to continue reforms and address deficiencies for greater convergence with the European family. Chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs Elmar Brok spoke about EU-Armenia relations in an interview with RFE/RL.

Asked whether he shares the view of Sweden’s Foreign Minister who said elections were below expectations, Brok noted that all post-Soviet states have drawbacks.

EU official said none of the post-Soviet states can be identified as a fully democratic country, therefore the most important thing is “to follow that progress will continue in line with European standards.”

Elmar Brok noted that he voiced criticism over shortcomings registered during the presidential elections and had already informed Armenian officials about it.

However, the EU official stressed that elections will not slow down talks on the Association Agreement and free trade area, at the same time noting it depends on several factors. Armenian authorities must better fight against corruption and ensure effective rule of law, to provide a real opportunity to take advantage of the election, which, in his view, means that the opposition should have an equal opportunity to come to power.

“For some reason, these requirements have not been met. As a result, Armenia has not yet received the status of an associate member of the European Union, the negotiations are still underway,” he said.