The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, is in the South Caucasus where he is due to have discussions with the region's leaders on their relations with the European Union and current international issues.
On Monday Tusk met in Yerevan with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. Speaking after the meeting Tusk said "Armenia has chosen not to make use of the European Union's offer of an Association Agreement including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. This is a choice that the European Union fully respects. We still stand ready to deepen our relations by working together to open markets and by advancing on democratic reforms, economic growth, regional integration, a better business-investment climate, and sustainable development. In short a broad reform agenda."
The president of the European Council also referred to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. He said that "recent negative trends are a cause for concern". The President of the European Council added that "The peaceful resolution of this conflict remains a priority for the European Union. The European Union supports the negotiations aimed at settling the conflict led by the OSCE Minsk Group. We support further dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including at the highest level - at your level Mr. President. It is critical to respect the ceasefire strictly, to exercise restraint on actions and statements, and to create an atmosphere conducive to progress in the conflict settlement."
Donald Tusk concluded his remarks by saying that this year was decisive for the future of relations between Armenia and the European Union.
Tusk will also be visiting Georgia and Azerbaijan.
source: commonspace.eu with the press service of the President of the European Council.
photo: The President of the European Council, Doinald Tusk with the President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, in Yerevan on 20 July 2015.
