AZG Armenian Daily #117, 25/06/2005

Constitution

DAYS OF TRIAL IN STRASBURG

‘We achieved total-lot results as regards changes’

The most overwrought day in the work of Armenian delegation at the PACE was
perhaps June 23. The delegation managed to avoid 2 dangerous offers that
could be fatal for Armenia once adopted.

On June 23, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe verified the
draft project of a monitoring commission on Armenian constitution. A session
of the monitoring commission discussed 3 proposals concerning the draft put
forward by Turkish and Azeri representatives and one by Dutch deputy Erik
Jurgens. The proposal of Turks and Azeris was hotly discussed during 2 days.
They suggested jotting down in the constitution that Armenia recognizes the
internationally recognized borders of other states. But, as parliament
vice-speaker Tigran Torosian said, “we managed to turn the offer down in a
fierce fighting”. The proposal was voted down by only one prevailing vote of
Matias Jorse, head of Liberal-Democratic block at CE. Upon Jurgens’
proposal, the Assembly called on Armenia to hold a referendum not later than
in November 2005.

“I think that it’s a rather fine draft and may lay serious foundation for a
successful referendum. Of course, we have to work on the draft”.

Discussions of the Venice Commission and the Armenian delegation followed.

“Azeris, having been warned that they will not be empowered in PACE once
elections fail, tried to include suchlike proviso in our draft. But their
attempts crushed down. This was not only the most nervous but also the most
successful day of the Armenian delegation as we managed to neutralize 2
dangerous proposals”, Tigran Torosian said.

By Karine Danielian

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress