Armenia-EU framework agreement could be signed next summer – ambassador

The negotiations over an Armenia-EU framework agreement are succeeding, with a next meeting to take place next month, German Ambassador to Armenia Matthias Kiesler told reporters on Tuesday.

“The very fact that such an agreement is expected to be signed is an achievement. The Armenian government is signaling to the European Union Armenia’s willingness to follow the course of modernization and reforms, and the European Union is Armenia’s major partner. I am sure that the European Union and its member-states are interested in sending new signals to this cooperation and to an agreement expected to be signed,” Mr Kiesler said.

Asked about particular rounds of the negotiations, the German ambassador said:

“Essential progress has been seen since the summer round of the talks. I cannot say anything about when the agreement could be signed, but Armenia’s government has signaled that it will be signed next spring.”

Mr Kiesler separates the visa facilitation process from an Armenia-EU framework agreement. He shares Armenian citizens’ wish for facilitated access to Europe. However, the date of Armenia-EU discussions on visa facilitation procedures has not yet been fixed.

Achieving the aim requires meeting certain preconditions.

“By way of advice, based on south-eastern European states’ experience, there are certain preconditions for visa facilitation procedure to take effect,” Mr Kiesler said.

In response to a remark that Armenia lags behind its neighbor Georgia, which is progressing, Ambassador Kiesler said that the positions of the countries in question should be considered separately.

“Of course, Georgia is ahead of Armenia in this matter though it could prove to be impetus to Armenia.”