Yerevan /Mediamax/. EU Advisory Group may terminate its operation in Armenia.

According to Mediamax’s information, the mandate of the Group which expires in spring 2014 won’t be extended.

Talking to Mediamax, representative of the EU Advisory Group confirmed the information according to which the mandate will soon expire noting that most likely, the final decision on extension or completion of the operation will be made in late February.

Mediamax recalls that Armenia was the first country where an advisory group was sent upon the decision of the European Commission. The decision was made during Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s visit to EU in November 2008.

The EU Advisors render advisory assistance to state structures of Armenia. The EU Advisory Group cooperates with the Armenian state structures in the areas of anti-corruption strategy, administrative reforms, human rights, state debt management, customs administration and establishment and operation of Diplomatic Academy.

In particular, the EU Advisory Group considerably supported the process of drafting of Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) which was left out of the agenda after Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union.

Mediamax notes that a year ago, on February 6, 2013, Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and Head of EU Delegation to Armenia Traian Hristea discussed issues related to Association Agreement.

Traian Hristea said that after signing of Association Agreement, Armenia will assume the status of an associated state which will be followed by approval of a new agenda of cooperation. He stressed that there is considerable progress in works on DCFTA.

The sides also discussed joint measures and reforms implemented in the spheres of justice, human rights protection, security, customs and other areas.

“If you see there the reforms slow down or are impeded in this or that sphere you can turn to me personally at once so as we didn’t lose the chance of using your advice to implement the reforms in due time”, Tigran Sargsyan said then.