The European Day organized by the European Union Delegation to Armenia was also celebrated in Vanadzor. This year the festival is named, “Europe is here”.
In response to the question of Aravot.am whether what opinion he has about the velvet revolution in Armenia, EU Ambassador to Armenia Piotr Switalski said: “This severe political crisis that erupted in Armenia found its solution through constitutional, legal and peaceful ways, which was one of the greatest achievements of the population and the political elite of the Republic of Armenia”.
According to the Ambassador, the role and potential of young people was also great and important, which, according to him, should be used for the development of the country: “They have high expectations, they want to live in a country that is free of corruption, in a country that is properly and effectively governed, in a country that has an independent, impartial, fair judicial system. They want to live in a country where economic activities are exercised with equal rights, where there are no privileges, there are no dominant positions in the market”.
Speaking about strengthening Armenia-EU relations and visa liberalization, Switalski expressed hope that the process would yield a positive result: “My colleagues from the European Union arrived in Armenia last week. The main topic on the agenda was the issue of visa liberalization, but simultaneously it was the implementation of visa facilitation process. Because the Republic of Armenia is now in the process, and if completed, it will be a good start to begin the process of liberalization. That is, we move in the right direction, but you should be patient”.
The European Union is the largest investor in Armenia. The Ambassador also noted that they plan to increase Armenia’s development assistance by up to 25 percent for the next three years. “Particularly in the next few months we plan to direct a part of this support to 3 northern regions of Armenia: Lori, Shirak and Tavush”.
