Mediamax’s exclusive interview with the Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics

- The Armenian leadership states that joining the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) doesn’t contradict to Armenia’s dialogue with the EU. Do you really think that EU and Armenia can continue “business as usual” after Armenia’s EEU membership?

- After Armenia’s decision not to sign the Association Agreement with the EU, the European Union and Armenia reconfirmed their commitment to further develop and strengthen comprehensive cooperation in all areas of mutual interest within the Eastern Partnership framework. The European Union will continue cooperation with Armenia in all areas compatible with Armenia’s choice. At the same time we expect Armenia will continue with reform efforts.

-   During the ‎Armenia- ‎European Union Cooperation Council session in Brussels on January 20 one of the main topics was question of future legal basis of relations between EU and Armenia. It means a completely new legal framework or the existing format will be enriched with new chapters?

- EU relations with Armenia are governed by the EU-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (1999), which allows for wide-ranging cooperation in the areas of political dialogue, trade, investment, economy, lawmaking and culture. However, the EU and Armenia believes it is important to revise the basis of the EU-Armenia relationship. The consultations about the scope of a new legal framework are currently ongoing.

-  After decision to join the EEU, Armenian leaders were saying there are ready to sign the “political part” of the Association Agreement. EU explained that DCFTA is an integral part of the Agreement and the document can’t be divided. Can we say that Armenia and EU are negotiating something very similar to the “political part” of the former Association Agreement?

- The negotiations about new legal framework have not been formally launched. In order to start to the negotiations the so called “scoping exercise” should be completed and the new EU mandate should be approved. We support the start of negotiations on the new legal framework by the Riga Summit.

- During your news conference in Yerevan in December 2014 you said that the Riga Summit will focus on development of “individual relations” with each Eastern partner. How do you see this “individual approach” for Armenia?

- The development of the EU Eastern Partnership initiative is an important priority of the Latvian presidency. The Riga Summit should send a signal that the European Union has clear interests in the strengthening and continuation of the Eastern Partnership. The Riga Summit will also take stock of the fulfilment of objectives set by the Vilnius Summit and provide a preliminary assessment of implementation of the Association Agreements.

Edgars Rinkevics and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, January 12, 2015

Photo: REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin

The process of visa liberalisation with the Eastern Partnership countries which comply with the criteria should be taken forward. The EU, while pursuing the Eastern Partnership policy, should be looking at the individual interest of each EaP country and their readiness to cooperate with the EU.

- 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?

- The EU is ready to continue to assist Armenia's efforts to carry on the launched political, social and economic reforms. For 2014-2017 this will amount to between 140 and 170 million EUR, focused on private sector development, public administration and justice sector reform.

- Armenian government on many occasions reaffirmed readiness to start visa free regime negotiations with EU. When will it be possible to start these negotiations?

- Latvia welcomes the entry into force of the EU–Armenia Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements. We have always encouraged the Armenian Government to continue the effective implementation of these Agreements. It is one of the crucial conditions to start a visa free regime negotiations with the EU. I would not currently set any dates or deadlines.

- People-to-people contacts are one of the key elements and principles of cooperation in the framework of Eastern Partnership. How do you imagine further dialogue between civil societies of Armenia and Azerbaijan after recent abuses and crackdowns against civil society in Azerbaijan?

- We believe people-to-people contacts are one of the most important elements of the Eastern Partnership. Latvia supports people-to-people contacts between Armenia and Azerbaijan which is important for building the trust.

The respect of fundamental values such as democracy, the rule of law, human rights and good governance is one of the key issues in the EU dialogue with Eastern Partnership countries. These issues are constantly being raised during the meetings with the officials from Eastern Partnership countries. The European Union will continue to follow the developments in these areas.

- Please tell if the South Caucasus with its unresolved conflicts will be among the priorities of Latvian Presidency's of the Council of the EU? If yes, what real steps EU can do besides stating that it “fully supports” the OSCE Minsk Group efforts?

- We, as the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, support the negotiations mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs aimed at settling the conflict. We believe it crucial to maintain direct high-level contacts between Armenia and Azerbaijan in a conflict settlement process. Efforts to reach the conflict settlement should be continued and Latvia supports them.

Latvia is convinced that Nagorno Karabakh conflict should be resolved only by using peaceful means taking into an account the basic principles of international law. The sides should show restraint and avoid any actions or statements which could escalate the situation.

Ekaterina Poghosyan talked to Edgars Rinkevics