Ambassador of Armenia to the Netherlands, Tigran Balayan, has delivered a speech at a conference, entitled “The South Caucasus and the European Union: addressing challenges, seizing opportunities,” organized by LINKS Europe.
In his speech, the ambassador said that the EU is Armenia’s key partner in all possible fields and sectors, Armenpress reported. With the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Armenia has embarked on a new ambitious agenda with the EU, Balayan said,.
Below is the transcript of the ambassador’s speech at the event.
“Excellencies, dear Special Envoys and Representatives, Colleagues, dear participants.
Thank you for this opportunity to present to you the views of my Government on cooperation with the EU, our key international partner.
There is an old Dutch custom of planning agendas months ahead, and as we were informed about this important event relatively recently, today is one of those days, when I am in Brussels with a number of scheduled meetings, practically promoting the partnership with the European Union.
The EU is Armenia’s key partner in all possible fields and sectors. With the CEPA we embarked on a new ambitious agenda with the EU.
Our partnership is anchored on shared values aimed at reinforcing the democratic reforms in Armenia, promoting good governance, rule of law, fight against corruption, and making the life of Armenian citizens better.
The implementation of the CEPA is overseen by the interagency commission, chaired by the Deputy PM. We have growing trade and economic cooperation with increasing investment volumes. Scientific and cultural cooperation is amongst the pillars of our relationship.
With the recent conclusion of agreements with the Europol and the one we are currently finalizing with the Eurojust, Armenia is starting an institutionalized cooperation between the law enforcement agencies, which is a manifestation of trust in Armenia and its reform agenda.
In January we held the first high-level Armenia-European Union Political and Security Dialogue, a manifestation of the utmost importance Armenia attaches to the security component of our partnership.
We welcome the EU’s role of mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and grateful to President Michel, the EEAS team headed by Ambassador Klaar for his consistent efforts, supported by the member states.
The deployment of the EU monitoring mission along the Armenian-Azerbaijan border is the best thing that has happened to the region since 2008, when a similar mission was deployed in Georgia. We are of the opinion that the EU has enough trust with its reliable energy partner to deploy a similar mission on the Azerbaijani side of the border, and also contribute to the deployment of UN-mandated (EU) missions in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin corridor.
We are of the opinion that the EU's mediation should be reinforced by mechanisms of observation of the implementation for the reached agreements, and respect for international law and in case breach of the agreements, consequences must follow. As we have regretfully witnessed multiple times, agreements are not followed, unless it is made clear what will follow the breach.
In that sense we welcome HR Borrell’s commitment made at the European Parliament to set up a deadline for lifting the illegal and inhuman blockade of the Lachin corridor.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate once again the importance of such events, which aim to bring together people that are trying to contribute to lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Unfortunately, not every Government in our region has the same agenda, but I am sure that able international actors like the EU and its truly reliable partners can make a change.”
