The Armenian-Turkish reconciliation process and the Cyprus issue will play a key role in Turkey’s membership in the EU, German Ambassador to Armenia Hans-Jochen Schmidt told a press conference in Yerevan.

The Ambassador is hopeful that the Armenian-Turkish talks will continue and the border will be open, as it is in Armenia’s interests. Under the mentioned circumstances the country will find a way out of critical situation, he said.

As to the talks on associate membership in the EU with the South Caucasian states, the Ambassador considers that the countries should take important steps and undertake structural reforms in almost all the spheres. Therefore, the South Caucasian states will get bonuses, for instance relaxation of visa requirements. However, the countries should sign a number of agreements, he stressed, adding that presently German embassy facilitates to the maximum the process of getting visa.

Asked whether associate membership might be followed by Armenia’s access to the EU, Hans-Jochen Schmidt noted that it is possible in theory. He stressed that the program of associate membership provides for such an opportunity, adding it would be a great burden for the EU from institutional viewpoint. That is the reason the EU develops different cooperation programs with its partners, including associate membership, the Ambassador concluded.