On the eve of the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, on November 28 - 29, European Parliament President Martin Schulz said he is deeply disappointed that that Ukraine and Armenia have abandoned plans to sign the Association Agreements at the summit.
"It is especially regrettable that the countries' decisions to reconsider their choices have been made under external pressure. We should say clearly and loudly that the economic and political pressure exerted by Russia against our eastern partners is simply unacceptable," Schulz said, according to Fakty.ua. He also said the door of association with the EU remains open and that the EU will never abandon the European hopes and aspirations of the peoples of the region.
Armenia's delegation led by President Serzh Sargsyan has left for Vilnius to participate in the 28-29 November Eastern Partnership Summit. Armenia and the EU are expected to sign a joint statement on further political cooperation. ArmInfo learned this from both German Ambassador to Armenia Rainer Morel and Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov.
Armenia had been negotiating for the Association Agreement for three years. However, Europe stopped the negotiations for the Association after President Serzh Sargsyan announced an intention to access Russia-led Customs Union.