Armenia-EU Action Plan Can Be Ratified in Early 2006

“The European Union can open negotiations with Armenia on the Individual Action Plan within the EU New Neighborhood Policy as soon as possible without setting precise date,” Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian stated during the joint interview with the EU Troika delegation. He said he sent a letter to the EU FMs with a request to separate Armenia from Georgia and Azerbaijan and not to bind Azerbaijan’s problems with the program start. He also informed that Brussels hopes for completion of the current stage of the negotiations during the two initial months of 2006. “Bearing in mind that the talks with Armenia can last several months we hope to launch them in December in order to be finished within three months,” RA Foreign Minister stated. When asked what Armenia can expect in case the Individual Action Plan is ratified, Vartan Oskanian said, “The package will cover various problems including bilateral relations and practical programs for the development of Armenia. Moreover, in some fields Armenia will proceed from cooperation to the process of integration, what is very important for our republic.”