Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Tigran Sargsyan: “We are convinced to succeed in all spheres in 2011”
During the joint press conference following his meeting with Jose Manuel Barroso, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia described as very warm the talks held with the head of the European Commission. “First of all, I wish to extend my appreciation of the warm welcome offered to the Armenian delegation. We had substantial talks on all the items of the EU-Armenia cooperation agenda.”
As he gave his estimate of the cooperation, Jose Manuel Barroso highlighted all those spheres supported by the European Union’s technical assistance regarding which we have assumed specific commitments. “It is my pleasure to state that the cooperation is developing quite successfully and the purpose of our visit is to give a new scope to bilateral ties,” Tigran Sargsyan said. The Prime Minister advised that central in the discussion was the economic impact of the global crisis on our country.
“Europe’s assistance went a long way toward mitigating the hardships. We have set a task of enlarging the scope of joint efforts. First of all, I mean the programs of our comprehensive interaction with the European Union. We are convinced to succeed in all spheres in 2011 so that we can start negotiating on the comprehensive agreement,” Tigran Sargsyan mentioned thanking Mr. Barroso and other partners for continued assistance.
As to whether Armenia has any expectations concerning the allocation of extra credits or other resources in addition to the proceeds stipulated under the partnership program, the Prime Minister of Armenia said that the Head of the European Commission had been presented with the program of reforms and the assurances of the Armenian government to promote them ahead. “On the one hand, it goes without saying that the reforms have to be strengthened in capacity. On the other hand, we should be watchful of such threats and risks as may arise during their implementation.
In particular, we have asked our partners to help establish a buffer fund in support of drastic tax and customs reforms to ensure macroeconomic stability in case we face problems connected with revenue collection. We have agreed that the matter will be taken up with European experts after we submit our reform program,” Tigran Sargsyan said.
Mr. Barroso noted in turn “We pledged support for Armenia. Our teams will continue working together in order to single out those areas in need of technical assistance. As to the financial help, we have already extended one to the Republic of Armenia. Since the country is facing macroeconomic challenges, we will follow up on the matter considering the developments. It is important for Armenia to continue along the path of reforms, and the European Union will stand by it.”
