EU seeks more active involvement in achieving stability in region: Charles Michel

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted a delegation led by Council of Euope President Charles Michel, who arrived in Armenia on a working visit. Pashinyan welcomed Michel and said this was their second meeting in the last month and a half, which testifies to the dynamic development of Armenia-EU relations. He praised the decision of the EU to provide Armenia with a 2.6 billion euro investment package, noting that it will be a new impetus for the active implementation of the democratic reform agenda in our country, as well as the development of the economy and infrastructure. Pashinyan added that the Armenian government is currently working with EU partners to develop an agenda for the planned programs and implement them effectively. He spoke about the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, reaffirming his proposal to resolve it peacefully at an earlier Security Council meeting. Pashinyan underlined the fact of more recent aggressive rhetoric by the Azerbaijani authorities, which gives grounds to think that Azerbaijan is not ready to fulfill its obligations under the trilateral statements of November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021.

Charles Michel noted that the EU wants to be more actively involved in achieving stability in the region. He stressed that the 2.6 billion euro assistance package for Armenia is aimed at the implementation of deep reforms, as well as the economic development of the country. He noted that Armenia has a wide potential for the implementation of the package of measures envisaged by the package, and the EU is ready to provide technical assistance in this issue. “The EU stands ready to support your country in meeting its priorities,” he said.

As for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, both sides used the statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs of April 13, 2021, the principles outlined by which the full and complete settlement of the conflict, including the final settlement of Nagorno Karabakh status. Michel considered it necessary to ensure the return of prisoners of war, to refrain from aggressive rhetoric, to unblock the region. He stressed that the EU, in turn, is ready to promote dialogue on demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan praised the efforts of the international community to protect the Armenian historical and cultural heritage of Nagorno Karabakh, adding that the Azerbaijani side has already destroyed and mutilated many Armenian cultural monuments. In this context, Michel considered it necessary to play an active role in UNESCO.