“No need to feel bad that drawbacks are recorded, we need to feel bad that the drawbacks are repeatedly recorded, but they are not solved, so responded Head of HCA Vanadzor office Arthur Sakunts, in response to the question of Aravot.am as to what is the reason that the requirements of the European Commission from Armenia are not changed year-by-year, so whether the government authorities do not respond adequately, or time is required for the solution of the said problems.
Note that the European Commission has published a report on “Implementation of the European Neighborhood Policy in Armenia Progress in 2012 and recommendations for action”, which although states some progress registered in Armenia, however, expresses concern about a number of matters and urge Armenia to take a number of steps: investigate the attack and intimidation of human rights defenders, to ensure the effective enforcement of the law, including the deaths that occurred during clashes of March 1, 2008; intensify judicial and law enforcement agencies reforms; promote an environment conducive to progress in Karabakh conflict settlement, encourage and support related peace-building activities. Arthur Sakunts noted that these are questions that they have repeatedly raised and continued, “The EU wants to make the RA government authorities understand that there will be no more carte blanche or an assistance in advance. If you want financing, then solve these issues. And the RA government authorities have financial expectation only from Europe rather than from Russia or the EaEU.”
Arthur Sakunts believes that what is changed is that the EU does not speak the language of diplomacy but warns that if you want financing, then solve this-and-this problem.” We inquired whether this kind of change in the attitude is the result of Armenia’s accession to the EaEU, Arthur Sakunts replied, “This is more related to Armenia-EU relations. In other words, they want us to understand that you have expectations and desires, but you do not want to make changes.”
To our observation of whether it is a fair approach that the European Union views Armenia and Azerbaijan on the same plane regarding the Karabakh conflict settlement, Mr. Sakunts responded, “Both countries are responsible for the Karabakh conflict settlement, therefore a common approach is developed. The Minsk Group co-chairs have already given their estimates, and Azerbaijan is addressed to be the intensifier of the tension and the instigating aside. It is already sufficient, and the European Union has to form one common approach, which is to say that the conflict should be settled peacefully.”
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Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
