Armenia, EU initial deal on easier visas

Armenia and the European Union (EU) initialed an agreement in Brussels Thursday on visa facilitation and readmission, local media reported. The deal is expected to be finalized in December and to be ratified in the first half of 2013. The agreement provides the facilitation of Schengen visas for some Armenian citizens, such as members of official delegations, scholars, students, journalists, artists and sportsmen, giving them simplified access to the EU. Under the agreement, the fee for visa applications is expected to be reduced to 35 euros from the current 60 euros, and children and pensioners will be issued visas for free. The EU and Armenia initiated consultations on the agreement in February.