ArmInfo.The issue of liberalizing the visa regime with the European Union is an important and fundamental for Armenia. Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said this in an interview with journalists in Brussels, answering the question whether the possibility of liberalizing the visa regime was touched upon during his meetings.
According to him, the issue was voiced by the Armenian side during the discussions, because everything that is done for the country, everything that is done in Armenia after the velvet revolution in such areas as human rights, rule of law, development of democratic institutions, ensuring equal conditions in the social field, economic life, all of it is Armenia's choice. "This is a choice that goes beyond geopolitics, comes from our national interests, and is a model chosen by the people. Everything concerns a person, a citizen, us, our country, our cooperation with partners, including the EU. National contacts are a fundamental, crucial issue and the issue of visa liberalization is not the only, but an important tool that gives us the opportunity to strengthen contacts between people. This is an important question for us. But, it is not the only tool, since we also pay attention and try to develop and other tools relating to education, culture, science, business and other circles, allowing our citizens to expand partnerships with partners around the world, "he said, adding that he voiced this issue, and the Armenian side does not agree with the comments of the European side related to migration policy. According to him, Armenia will continue to consistently promote this issue, as it insists that everyone is assessed according to their abilities and merits.
"We are very sensitive and will not allow the creation of such conditions that will lead to the abuse of visa facilitation. We do not welcome anything that will lead to problems. Now we are told that there are countries that already use the simplified visa regime and abuse it, but for us this is an insufficient argument. We want to be assessed by our values, in accordance with our capabilities, " Mnatsakanyan said, noting that the relevant Armenian departments are in constant contact with their European counterparts, for the soonest start of a dialogue.
To clarify whether it is possible to talk about specific dates for the start of the dialogue on the liberalization of the visa regime, the minister said that it's difficult to name specific dates, but this is one of the most important agenda items. At the same time, he expressed the conviction that the possibilities of Armenia allow starting this dialogue.