Recently, after the recent harsh treatment of European parliamentarians to members of the Armenian delegation, the European Parliament has published a new and very unexpected report. In the new report, the European Parliament has changed its attitude in 180 degrees and its accent of speaking with Armenians. This time, the EP calls to promptly exercise a positive impact policy on Armenia related to free movement, energy, and transport sectors. The report also talks about the financial assistance to Armenia. With regard to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the EU has called the High Commissioner to develop confidence-building projects.
With regard to other details associated with the report, today, on March 14, Aravot.am talked to the member of Armenia-EU Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, a “Heritage” faction MP, Tevan Poghosyan. Mr. Poghosyan recalled how the European Parliamentarians were offended and outraged at Strasbourg sessions following September 3, and took an anti-Armenian stance without even listening to the members of the Armenian delegation. “The whole problem was that at that time they did not even want to leave such points where the EU would be ready to continue helping the development of civil society. However, today, after the events in Ukraine, a change occurs in their minds, too, that if they are trying to have a major role in the region, they should not display a tough position rather than trying to help the development of civil society, and go for peace-promoting actions. To this respect, their move is welcomed. Anyway, let’s not forget that even 2 years ago the EU had adopted a decision that their forces should involve the territories of unresolved problems. But, every time, when we were raise the question of why you aren’t you going to work in Karabakh, they were saying that it was more associated with Georgia, or any other place, but not Karabakh. Let’s hope that in addition to words they will make some actions, practical steps.” Tevan Poghosyan urged to be guided by own interested after this report and such disposition. “If there is a consciousness by the EU that offended or tough stance does not solve an issue, and there is a consciousness that they should be included, work, collaborate, and help-support, it generates from our interest. This should be only welcomed and be happy with. Let’s try to take advantage of it and even go a step further reminding that right after September 3 the Armenian authorities and the whole society admitted that Armenia is ready to sign the political component of the Association Agreement. We should try to be consistent, negotiate, and why not, to go ahead and sign. Especially now it is very favorable. After the Ukraine event, they also realize that they have been willing to go for these steps for Ukraine, which Armenia suggested to take on September 4-5. The fact that the European Parliament is ready to assist Armenia so that we are included in a larger format, now we need to go ahead and convince that we are ready to sign the political component of the Association Agreement, in particular, that we are the first to say it, and earlier than Ukrainian authorities.”
Hripsime JEBEJYAN
