Mister President, Commissioner, Colleagues
Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyanwas was very clear when he spoke in this hemicycle in October last year – Armenia has turned to Europe and looks for closer cooperation with the European Union.
This is not only a choice of economic convenience, but also a choice based on the country’s commitment to key European values and difficult security situation.
I strongly welcome the role of the EU Monitoring Mission ensuring the security of the border and inclusion of Armenia into the European Peace Facility programme.
I also think that this is right time to start visa liberalization dialogue and better engage Armenia with regional connectivity and other projects.
At the same time, Armenia has to do its homework. I am referring to CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization), Eurasian Economic Union, Armenia´s high dependency on Russia, including trade, but also a Russian military base in Armenia.
Finally, after more than 30 years of insecurity and suffering, Armenian and Azerbaijani people deserve to live in peace and security. Therefore, I call the Azerbaijani leadership to commit to peace and sign a comprehensive peace agreement based on recognition of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-use of force.
Thank you!