Memo: EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström welcomes the signing of the EU-Armenia Readmission Agreement

On 19 April 2013, the European Union and Armenia signed an agreement on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation.

A visa facilitation agreement with Armenia, opening the way for easier travel and people-to-people contact across Europe, was already signed on 17 December 2012.

The readmission agreement sets out clear obligations and procedures for the authorities of both Armenia and the respective EU Member State as to when and how to take back people who are irregularly residing on their territories. These obligations cover nationals from Armenia, the EU Member States and those from third countries and stateless people, provided the latter have a clear link with the requested party (e.g. visa or resident permit). A special accelerated procedure will apply to persons apprehended in common border regions who can be returned more quickly. The agreement contains the necessary safeguards with regard to data protection and the protection of fundamental human rights. Full respect of Human Rights as provided by the European Convention of Human Rights will be guaranteed during the application of the readmission agreement.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: EU-Armenia agreement on facilitating the issuing of visas http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-armenia-agreement-on-facilitating-the-issuing-of-visas/

European Commission: Rapid: MEMO/13/350: Statement by Commissioner Štefan Füle following his meeting with Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-350_en.htm

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