ArmInfo."I understand that visa regime liberalization issue between Armenia and EU has important role to all Armenians", EU delegation head in Armenia Piotr Switalski stated during the press conference in Yerevan.
"I came across in a newspaper not so long ago with an article where it says that Armenians are indifferent to the question of the liberalization of the visa regime. I smile to such statements, as this statement, and media reports show that the prospects for liberalization of the visa regime cause tension in some people, the ambassador said. At the same time, he took advantage of the opportunity and congratulated Ukrainians and Georgians for their courage, who made the right decision in 2013 and are now reaping the fruits, that is, they can freely travel to Europe.
He stressed that of course, there are some logistical problems, despite the many kilometers of queues, people have the right to free movement, travel to Europe. "I believe that the experience of Georgia and Ukraine will be positive and will be useful for Armenia,"Switalski said, while he called for patience. The Ambassador noted that this issue was also discussed during the working meetings of the two sides in Brussels, and the general impressions of the negotiators are positive. "But we must understand that this will not happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, or in the coming months, that patience is needed. But at the same time, I want to emphasize that the issue continues to be on the agenda. But this is the issue that Armenians must discuss, prepare for this dialogue. The experience of Georgia and Ukraine shows that in order to approach liberalization of the visa regime, the country should take serious legislative changes. This is the question that the Armenians should discuss, to ask whether it is time to prepare the legislative base for the transition to a dialogue on the liberalization of the visa regime. If you want to start a dialogue, then you must start legislative changes. Do your homework, prepare laws, accept them, as it still has to be done, "said Switalski and added that he supports the liberalization of the visa regime.
He said that he is one of the supporters of Europe without visa regime, and Armenia is the part of Europe. "I believe, despite existing difficulties, it is real. Thus, Armenians, get prepared, do not lose hope and be tolerant", Switalski said.
To note, on December 17, 2012 visa facilitation agreement was signed between Armenia and EU, which came into force on January 1, 2014. The agreement quickened the procedure of issuing visas in the consulates of EU countries, accredited to Armenia. The decision on issuing visa is made within 10 days and in emergency situations within two or less days. Besides, according to the agreement fewer documents are needed for receiving visa. After the signing of agreement the price of visa fell to 35 EUR versus 60 EUR, which the tourists had to pay prior to the ratification of the document. Another advantage of the facilitated visa regime is free of charge visa provided to children younger than 12, as well as to persons with disabilities and persons accompanying them. The procedure of issuing multiple entry visas has also been facilitated, which was too complex and time- consuming before. Armenian citizens with diplomatic passports do not need to receive visas. The agreement regulates the terms of Armenian citizen's stay in the territory of EU. Now this period totals 90 days in180-day period.