Yerevan: The issue of visa liberalization with the EU is important  and fundamental for Armenia

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.