MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: press@mfa.am:

PRESS RELEASE
15 November 2004

Minister Oskanian Receives Council of Europe Committee of Ministers’
Monitoring Group

On 15 November, Minister Oskanian received Council of Europe Committee of
Ministers’ Monitoring group (also known as Ago Group) headed by Germany’s
Permanent Representative to CoE Ambassador Roland Wegener. This is the
second visit of Ago Group to Armenia to assess the country’s progress in
meeting the commitments made to the Council of Europe upon membership.

Ambassador Wegener stressed the importance of continuity and consistency of
the Group’s operation and briefed the Minister on constructive dialogue held
during the Group’s meetings with National Assembly Vice Speaker,
parliamentary factions and opposition representatives. The Group also
briefed the Minister on its views on constitutional reform progress, reform
of the electoral code and the need for a dialogue between the authorities
and the opposition, importance of ensuring equal conditions for the mass
media, progress of judiciary reform and things yet to be done.

Foreign Minister stated that the Group’s visits render an additional
momentum to the reforms and contribute to Armenia’s fulfillment of
commitments towards the Council of Europe. He further introduced Armenia’s
approaches and steps taken for meeting the CoE commitments. The Minister
stated that in spite of notable achievements, there is still much to be
done.

The discussion continued during a business dinner and involved exchange of
views on several issues of international concern, including latest
developments with Nagorno Karabagh conflict regulation. Minister Oskanian
expressed hope that after elimination of current bottlenecks, it would be
possible to register a serious progress in the conflict settlement.

On the same day, Minister Oskanian and Ago Group members held a press
conference in the Ministry’s Media Hall.