Amanda Paul: Armenian Government should deliver on promises given to people

While it would be great if all EU member states had immediately ratified the agreement, there has never been such a case; these things always take time and this can be very frustrating and worrying for the partner, according to Amanda Paul, a senior policy advisor at the European Policy Center.

In an interview with Tert.am, the European expert shared her views on the concerns  over the future of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the European Union and Armenia.

"This is more the case in year when the EU is in turmoil – with Brexit and elections of European Parliament and other institutions.  However, there is no reason to believe that this ratification process will not be finished by the end of the year.  If that were the case it would cast the EU in a very negative light and particularly those countries which did not ratify.  Yerevan will (and should) be continuing to engage and talk to those member states that have not yet ratified CEPA, and encourage them to do this as quickly as possible,” she said.

Ms Paul also called for the Armenian authorities’ active efforts to move to the realization of the agreement, committed to the promises given to the society.

“It is important that the Armenian authorities crack on with the work they have to do in implementing CEPA and move ahead with key political and economic reforms as per the Roadmap.  The government needs to start to deliver on the promises made to society and put in place processes to do this.  The new parliament offers strong base for the government to be able to do this.  There is strong political will from Armenia’s leadership and parliament to seriously develop relations with the EU which can have great benefits for Armenia.”

Meantime she admitted that maintaining the balance between the EU and Russia is not going to be absolutely easy. “While it is not easy dealing with Russia, it is still possible for Armenia to pursue closer relations with the EU and maintain good ties with Moscow.  There is a need to be realistic though and no one expects any big changes in foreign policy. A geographical shift is unlikely. Whether Armenians like it or not Russia provides their country with security guarantees, arms and gas as well as having significant investments in infrastructure. Russia has a huge stake in Armenia.  The only way to change the current shape of things and  reduce dependence on Russia would be with a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh.  This could be a regional game changer,” she added.