Switalski: EU is ready to strengthen cooperation with Armenia in the  field of seizure and return of illegally accumulated funds

ArmInfo.The head of the EU delegation in Armenia, Piotr Switalski, considers it extremely important that the fight against corruption is among the priorities  of the new government.

"And this is a signal that the Armenian government takes seriously  the issue of fighting corruption was clearly voiced in Brussels at  the first meeting of the Armenia-EU Partnership Council, as well as  at other meetings of the Armenian FM during the visit to Belgium.  Substantive evidence that the new government is resolute in the  matter of eradicating corruption in the country, with all its  manifestations, and equally important that the new government wishes  to do so according to the letter of the law, within the framework of  existing legislation and in full conditions ozrachnosti "- said  Switalski on Radio Liberty. He expressed conviction that the EU is  encouraged, and he is ready, if necessary, to offer his experience,  knowledge and technical expertise. 

Switalski also considers it not accidental that today everyone in  Armenia is talking about corruption.  According to him, the society's  intolerance towards corruption is visible. The European diplomat  considers this an important development of the situation, and a  serious argument, so that he ceases to talk about this issue and  directs his efforts to other important areas. "From now on, I promise  to talk less about corruption, I am also glad that Armenians are so  brave that they can talk about it and demonstrate that they are  against corruption," the ambassador said.

Answering the question about the possible implementation of the  anti-corruption program in Armenia, Switalski recalled that the EU  High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Federica  Mogherini in Brussels, expressed readiness of the EU to continue and  further deepen cooperation with Armenia on these issues. The  ambassador added that it is no secret that at the last meeting of the  subcommittee on justice and freedom, the Armenian side asked for  technical assistance from the EU on the issue of restoring the funds  accumulated illegally. He recalled the great experience of Europe in  this issue, and stressed that the EU is ready to share experience  with Armenia and to strengthen cooperation in the field of seizing  and returning illegally accumulated funds.