EU Concerned Over Human Rights Protection in Armenia

Democracy development and human rights protection in Armenia are the issues the EU is much concerned about, Stefan Fule, European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, said in an interview with RFE/RL.
Fule stressed he is happy that Armenian authorities agreed to create a sub-committee on human rights protection within the framework of EU-Armenia relations. Tragic memories of the March 1 events must be left behind, he said. The events should not be forgotten but the country should move ahead releasing those who are still in jail in connection with March 1 events.
According to him, steps Armenia has to take in the direction of democratic reforms and liberalization of economy are important for stable development of the country and convergence with the EU. In this case Armenia can get political, economic and financial assistance of the Union.
He pointed out the Eastern Partnership program which is a reasonable offer and a chance to fulfill country’s objectives by means of reforms and progress. There are no first and second priority countries for the EU, Fule noted, adding that Union’s assistance is determined by reforms that participating states are ready to carry out.
Fule noted that Armenia stands aside of the six states involved in the Eastern Partnership program, as a group of EU experts working at the ministries and giving advice concerning improvement of Armenia’s policy has been sent to the country very early. The EU commissioner believes it is conditioned by authorities’ commitment to implement reforms despite the country is still faced with many challenges.