ArmInfo. Armenia-EU cooperation should not be viewed in the prism of relations between Sharmazanov-Switalski and Switalski-Harutyunyan. Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov said this in a conversation with ArmInfo correspondent, referring to today's statement by the head of the European delegation of the European Union Piotr Switalski that if some people do not like the EU presence in Armenia, this presence can be stopped.
"Probably, Switalski responded so much to my statement and the statement of Justice Minister David Harutyunyan about the need to adhere to political correctness in statements. But a European-level diplomat should not react so sharply to criticism or to various statements, to reduce Armenia-EU relations to the level of interpersonal relations, for example, Switalski-Sharmazanov or Harutyunyan-Switalski. Instead of reacting so sharply to our statements, we can simply analyze them and draw the appropriate conclusions. After all, the experience and approaches of a united Europe are valuable, which amounts to respecting and tolerant attitude towards the principle of pluralism of opinions," Sharmazanov said.
He stressed that Armenia highly appreciates and values relations with the EU, it has repeatedly expressed readiness to consistently follow European norms and principles, to implement the best Western experience in the establishment of democratic institutions. "And we very much appreciate the EU's assistance in this direction, and, first and foremost, neither financial, as that is often emphasized, but partner and friendly," the vice-speaker said.