Diplomat: EU doesn`t  force Armenia to choose between Moscow and  Brussels

ArmInfo.The European Union is not asking Armenia to choose between its partners. Vassilis Maragos, head of the EU delegation to Armenia, stated this in an  interview with Armenian Public Television.

As evidence of his statement, he cited the situation in 2013, when  Armenia decided to join the Eurasian Economic Union, choosing not to  sign the EU Association Agreement.  "We are not asking Armenia to  choose between partners. I would like to remind you that when, over  10 years ago, Armenia made the decision not to sign the Association  Agreement, the EU did not attempt to punish Yerevan or impose  sanctions. On the contrary, we demonstrated a very constructive  approach and signed a new Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership  Agreement," Maragos noted. According to him, the signing of this  document testifies to the importance the EU places on its relations  with Armenia.

The diplomat further noted that a new stage in strengthening  bilateral relations between Armenia and the EU has begun.  Maragos  also assured that the EU has not asked Armenia to make a choice  between Moscow and Brussels. "We are here to support Armenia's  sovereign choice and its decision on whom to trade with, how to do  it, and what partnerships to pursue. It is important for Armenia to  diversify its trade in the direction it deems beneficial. It is  important that the Armenian people support this choice. We are not  forcing Armenia to make a choice," said the Head of the EU Delegation  to Armenia.  When asked when Armenia can expect full visa  liberalization with the EU, he assured that Brussels is interested in  facilitating people-to-people contacts, though he stopped short of  providing a specific date, stating he was confident that it would  happen very soon.

Regarding whether the European Union is prepared to deepen relations  with Armenia in the sphere of security, Maragos stated that security  is important not only for Yerevan but also for the European Union  itself. He recalled the EU civilian mission in Armenia, which,  according to him, has contributed to the security of the Armenian  side.

"In parallel, we have opened the possibility for Armenia to  participate in the European Peace Facility. We are providing  assistance to the Armenian Armed Forces total assistance amounts to  30 million euros. This demonstrates our commitment to strengthening  the capabilities of the Armenian Armed Forces. Of course, this is  non-lethal assistance. Moreover, this week, we will provide Armenia  with demining vehicles," the diplomat said.  He also noted that  Armenia has agreed to participate in EU civilian missions in third  countries, while noting that the specific country in which the  Armenian side will be involved has not yet been determined.