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In his speech in the National Assembly today, MP Tevan Poghosyan discussed the elimination of consequences of the 1988 devastating earthquake and the talks on a new framework agreement between Armenia and the European Union.

The press service of Armenian Foreign Ministry reported yesterday that on December 7 Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan met in Brussels with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini. During the meeting the sides expressed satisfaction with the negotiations due to start on the same day over a new legal framework agreement between Armenia and the European Union. Edward Nalbandyan expressed hope that thanks to active discussions, Armenia and the EU could reach a new legal agreement capable of reflecting the extent and depth of bilateral relations and indicating new guidelines for mutually beneficial cooperation.   

Tevan Poghosyan expressed hope in his speech in the parliament that the sides drew a lesson after September 3, 2013 and this time they will actually display will for signing a new legal framework agreement.

“It is also evident that relations of Armenia and the EU will be close if they are based on interests. And interests do exist,” he noted.  

According to the MP, for Armenia this step means modernization and development under the European model.

“The EU will have a predictable, democratic and safe neighbor. I don’t think that in case of a political will, the talks over a common package will last longer than a few months. But with the approach of the signing date, trust is going to decline, given the past experience,” Poghosyan said adding that in parallel with the negotiating process, Armenia should take trust building measures.  

“I think that stage-by-stage advancement of the negotiations and transparently informing the public would be the best tactics,” Tevan Poghosyan stressed, reminding those present that the talks had already been conducted over the political component, and Armenia was prepared to sign that part on September 4. The NA deputy also underlined the importance of publicizing the results after the end of each stage, which will increase the trust of both European colleagues and the Armenian public. “I am glad indeed that the talks were launched yesterday. I hope that we will have an already signed document next year, and Armenia will again follow a path of long-term interests,” Tevan Poghosyan said.