EU is glad with the results of 2012 cooperation with Armenia. William van der Geest

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS: European Union is concluding its activity carried out in Armenia and highly evaluates the results of interaction during 2012. Armenia has recorded positive results in the programs implemented on the principle “more for more” as well. . This was noted by Head of Advisory Group of the European Union William van der Geest.

“Armenia and EU have had a number of achievements during 2012. There was a noticeable progress not only on the general level but also in separate areas, mainly, the human rights protection strategy has been approved and 6 regional offices have been opened by Human Rights Defender's Office for discussions and examination of different issues,” Armenpress quoted William van der Geest as saying during the interview adding that Armenian National Assembly had improved and deepened relations with the civil society. When speaking about the agreement on visa regime facilitation William van der Geest underlined the importance of it for Armenia.

“With this agreement Armenian citizens are provided with a great opportunity. The list of documents needed for those citizens who are official delegates, scientists, students, journalists, athletes and artists are being clarified. Also there is a reduction of the visa price to EURO 35,” informed William van der Geest. He also sees the progress in the integration process.

“Three political parties have joined European “family” which gave them opportunity to participate in the summits of Marseille and Bucharest,” he noted also expecting that negotiations on establishing deep and comprehensive free trade area would be concluded till November, 2013.

Member of EU Advisory Group Carl Ulbricht noted that reaching Association Agreement required a certain working plan.

“We have initiated a round table, where the strategy of preparing a plan on combatting corruption was discussed” Ulbricht said. According to him the programs against corruption had to be prepared sector by sector.