European Commission launches visa-free travel talks with Armenia

BRUSSELS. July 23 (Interfax) - The European Commission (EC) said that following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on July 22 it is launching a visa liberalization dialogue with Armenia.

"This process will help Armenia achieve visa-free travel with the EU as its long-term goal. Such a dialogue will result in reforms in important areas, in particular, travel document security, border management, migration and granting asylum, public order, foreign relations and matters relating to fundamental rights in Armenia," the EC said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The EC warned that it would closely monitor progress in these areas in close interaction with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

This dialogue will be based on the action plan for visa liberalization, which will be presented to the Armenian authorities following the Council of the EU discussion.

"The liberalization of visa rules is not an automatic process," Brussels said. This can take place only if the dialogue is a success and all the conditions listed in the plan are met.

After the successful completion of the dialogue, the EC said that it would be easier and cheaper for Armenian citizens to travel to the EU for short-term trips.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said at a press conference following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday that he had decided to start visa liberalization talks with Armenia, which, as he said, would strengthen the EU's partnership with Armenia.