Azerbaijan, Baku, May 26 / Trend E.Ostapenko /
The European Union yesterday published an annual assessment report examining all the positive and negative achievements of the countries within the European Neighborhood Policy in 2010
"Azerbaijan has demonstrated a bright progress in macroeconomic policies and poverty reduction," Head of EU delegation in Azerbaijan Roland Kobia said at a press conference in Baku. "The EU also noted Azerbaijan's achievements in the energy sector and fight against terrorism and criminal organizations, as well as in situation with a gender equality," the.
Kobia said the launch of talks on Association Agreement between the EU and South Caucasus countries in July 2010 was assessed as a positive momentum. "The EU named the spheres of democratic development and respect for human rights in the country as areas lacking a progress in 2010," he said.
Kobia said the EU voiced concerns over these areas at various levels, particularly, the European Commission head, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy, European Parliament President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have voiced this in their speeches.
He noted the lack of progress in the process of Azerbaijan's accession to the WTO as a negative factor. "Joining the WTO is the main condition for creating a free trade zone between the EU and partner countries," Kobia said. Although it is still too early to analyze the achievements of 2011, he said, the anti-corruption campaign carried out by the government is a big positive aspect.