YEREVAN. – EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Fule strongly disagree with the view that Europe is opposed to the development of relations between Armenia and Russia.

During a meeting with NGO representatives in Yerevan, Fule said he could not comment the question whether Russian side is exerting such pressure. He suggested the audience should answer this question.

“But I watch the news, I know the price of gas and the issue of arms sales, and a number of other issues,” he noted.

At the same time, he stressed there is no concept of pressure in relations of EU with its partners. The Union is building relationship in a way that it should lead to the victory of all sides. The Association Agreement does not limit Armenia’s relations with its neighbors and partners.

“An answer to the question whether there is a definite pressure is: ‘no’,” he said. Relations with the Union will only strengthen Armenia’s capabilities in terms of cooperation with colleagues and neighbors, and will strengthen position in the region.”

European Commissioner stressed that the European side aims to be transparent and predictable “for you and Russian colleagues.”Europe is committed to the creation of a free economic zone from Lisbon to Vladivostok without any obstacles.

The Association Agreement in no way can be a problem of different civilizations, Fule said, adding that it is not a choice.

Moreover, the EU has never told partners to stop or reduce relations with Russia. On the contrary, they do not want to break the traditional ties. The European side only encourages further cooperation with Russia, which Armenia deems important, including from the point of view of national interests, he concluded.