06 11 17 - ARMENIA AND EUROPE MOVING CLOSER

- Europe takes note of the European aspirations of Armenia
- Growing acceptance that the principle of self-determination should guide the settlement of the Karabakh conflict<BR>

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - The European Armenian Federation has welcomed the adoption of the EU Neighbourhood Policy's Armenia action plan, which was signed on November 14th, 2006 by the Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vartan Oskanian, in the presence of the Commission and the Council's senior leaders.

The action plan encompasses the full range of European-Armenian cooperation*, including the growth of democratic structures, respect for the rule of law, economic cooperation and reduction of poverty, harmonisation oflegislations, anti-corruption efforts, and addressing the future of the Medzamor nuclear power plant.

In welcoming this move, the Federation noted that, "the EU takes note of the European aspirations expressed by Armenia and will support the Armenian government as its continues to inform the Armenian public concerning the
Union, in particular through the creation of a European information centre in Erevan."

The European Union will increase its support to OSCE Minsk Group, which is seeking to mediate a solution of the Karabakh conflict. However, the Union insists on the fact that this conflict is settled on the basis of
international principles, with a special focus on "the principle of people self-determination."

In the education and cultural cooperation fields, the European Union seeks to reinforce the participation of Armenian students in TEMPUS and YOUTH programmes, and will also explore avenues to "promote the Armenian cultural heritage in Europe;" and "to fight against racism and intolerance, and to examine areas of cooperation in the struggle against crimes against
humanity."

"We welcome this action plan to stimulate the integration movement between the European Union and Armenia," declared Hilda Tchoboian, the Chairperson
of the European Armenian Federation. "Building on a powerful convergence of views and a strong sense of community, the Federation looks forward to contributing to the future growth of Armenian-European relations," added Tchoboian.
*http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/pdf/action_plans/armenia
_com_proposal_enp_ap_

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EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION<BR>
for Justice and Democracy
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B-1000 Bruxelles
Tel: +322 732 70 26
Tel/Fax: +322 732 70 27
Email: contact@eafjd.org

PRESS RELEASE <BR>
For immediate release
November 17, 2006
Contact: Vartenie ECHO
Tel: +322 732 70 26

V.V