ArmInfo.The current head of the EU is inspired and encouraged by the progress recorded by the government of Nikol Pashinyan. The EU will continue close cooperation with the RA and Prime Minister Pashinyan for the benefit of all Armenians. The European Council Chairman Donald Tusk said this on July 10 after a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
According to him, this is his first visit to Yerevan after the "velvet revolution." According to Tusk, the positive dynamics in Armenia created new opportunities for cooperation with the EU. "My visit to Armenia testifies to the high significance of the EU's relations with Armenia and the region," he said.
Today's discussion, as he said, speaks about the productivity of the implementation of EU-RA cooperation in the framework of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Armenia and the EU. "This ambitious document is intended to assist the process of modernization of Armenia, and the EU will continue to provide technical and financial assistance towards the implementation of the Agreement," Tusk noted.
As noted the head of the European Council, the parties reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the rule of law, combating corruption and respect for human rights. "A solid judicial system is a significant component in ensuring the democratic and socio-economic development of the country," he said, stressing that the EU will continue to assist in this area, using its expertise and additional tools.
In addition, according to Tusk, during the meeting they discussed the creation of a specialized anti-corruption commission. "Highly appreciating the efforts of the Armenian government in the direction of reforms, the EU almost doubled its assistance to Armenia for 2019. The funds will help in the implementation of priority programs, including infrastructure and environmental protection, "he said. In this context, the head of the European Council noted that today he will visit Sevan Lake, where the EU is supporting reforms in the sector of water management. "There will be an occasion to visit " Sevanavank " (a monastery on the peninsula) - a monument that is evidence of Armenia's millennial influence on European culture," Tusk said.
The Prime Minister of Armenia and the head of the European Council also discussed the "unresolved Karabakh conflict". "The EU is inspired by the dynamics and is ready to assist in the preparation of nations for peace, with an emphasis on the humanitarian aspect," he said. The EU, as noted by Tusk, shares the concerns of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs regarding the victims on the contact line in recent times.
According to Tusk, the parties should exercise self-command and take measures to restore the atmosphere conducive to establishing peace and conducting meaningful negotiations. "The conflict has no military resolution and requires a political solution that will comply with the principles of international law. The EU will continue to support the efforts of the OSCE MG in the search for fair and durable solutions, " Donald Tusk concluded.