Mediamax’s exclusive interview with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevicius

- The Armenian leadership states that joining the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) doesn’t contradict to Armenia’s dialogue with the EU. Do you think it is possible to continue the EU-Armenia dialogue?

- We continue the dialogue and EU-Armenia Cooperation Committee meeting on December 9 was a good opportunity to explore the possibilities in the areas we can cooperate.

Commitment to further strengthening cooperation within the Eastern Partnership should be compatible with Armenia’s recent policy choices, so we can continue support in the areas such as good governance, human rights, fighting corruption, judiciary reforms etc.

Implementation of these programs will be continued and Armenia should define the areas of interests which do not contradict to its commitments towards EEU.

- During the session of Armenia-EU Cooperation Committee, the sides discussed establishment of the future legal format of relations. Do you think there is a need for a new legal framework or the existing format could be enriched with new chapters?

- It is again a matter of discussions between EU and Armenia for defining the areas where we can cooperate. Then we will see whether a new agreement is needed or we can use the existing framework if it does not contradict to commitments to other bodies.

Let’s not make any presumptions at this stage. I would not exclude the possibility of a new agreement, however, I do not say it is really necessary for the time being.

- During his visit to Armenia in May 2014, French President Francois Hollande stated that the EU should demonstrate a “differentiated approach” to Armenia given its complicated geopolitical situation. Do you think the EU can suggest some kind of “special terms” to Armenia?

- I personally do share this view of “special attitude” and regional approach not only to Armenia. All the members of the Eastern Partnership program are quite different, even those who are trying to be “in the club”. They have different situations and ambitions and we do respect the choices of each country.

Again, we respect Armenia’s choice to join the Eurasian Union and we believe we should further proceed with our relations with Armenia. Armenia should suggest possible spheres of cooperation having in mind the membership to EEU. 

- During past years Armenia and EU have been discussing issue of organizing Donors' Conference for Armenia. Can we say that this idea is excluded from the agenda?

- As far as I remember, the Donors' Conference was a blend in the context of Association Agreement talks. Now, given Armenia's recent foreign policy choices, the initiative to have such conference should come from the Armenian side.

- What can you say about the recent tensions in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone?

- We are seriously concerned with the security situation in the region and the protracted Nagorno Karabakh conflict. We expect responsible behavior from all the sides. Statements are not enough, they should be backed by actions.

- Over past several years, Armenian-Lithuanian ties have activated. What can be done more to enhance these relations, say, in 2015?

- We should continue the initiatives that proved useful and important. For instance, on November 27 the first Armenia-Lithuania Business Forum was held in Vilnius with participation of Armenian Development Agency and Lithuanian Confederation of Industrials. These are tangible and pragmatic ties to further develop. We have really good prospects, some agreed directions, so, let's fulfill them.

Ara Tadevosyan talked to Linas Linkevicius