YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, NOYAN TAPAN. The European Union cooperates with Armenia in almost all the directions, while the further process of Armenia-EU relations depends on the efficiency of reforms being implemented in Armenia. The Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner stated this at the joint press conference with the Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on January 19. She expressed a high opinion about Armenia's readiness to receive EU advisors who will assist with reforms in Armenia. As regards the issue of how the possible decision on deprivation of the Armenian delegation of voting rights in the PACE will affect the relations of the EU and Armenia, the Commissioner said that it is extremely important that both Armenia's authorities and opposition show responsibility and find a correct way to solve the current internal political problems. According to her, the government should find the correct form of working with the opposition. In her words, this is a sensitive issue, but there is a hope that the authorities and opposition will be able to deal with the problem. Speaking about the Nagorno Karabakh problem, B. Ferrero-Waldner noted that it is possible to find a solution in case of manifesting good will and flexibility. In this connection she underlined the importance of the meetings held in Moscow and Helsinki. In her words, if the sides succeed in reaching a compromise solution, the whole region will benefit from it, while the EU will try its best to assist with the problem's regulation. E. Nalandian in his turn said that Armenia will continue the negotiations being conducted within the framework of the OSCE. "Armenia is ready to continue negotiations so that a peaceful political solution to the Karabakh problem will be found and the negotiations will continue based on the Madrid proposals," he stated.

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