ADOPTION OF NEW CONSTITUTION TO OPEN WAY TO EURO-INTEGRATION, SAYS EC REPRESENTATIVE

ArmenPress
Aug 3 2005

YEREVAN, AUGUST 3, ARMENPRESS: The Council of Europe special
representative Boyana Urumova told today at a press conference
that “The adoption of new Constitution will open a way to
Euro-integration.” She said the success will witness about the maturity
of the Armenian political field. Noting that the opposition must
be able to display readiness for making concessions she added that
the Venice Commission underscored the discussion of constitutional
amendments with civilians and opposition for securing mutual agreement.

On behalf of the Council of Europe B. Urumova thanked the Armenian
authorities as well as all the experts for securing success in
the process and pointed out the support provided by international
organizations and embassies. Thorda Abbot Watt, Great Britain and
Northern Ireland’s ambassador to Armenia, welcomed the positive
assessment of the Venice Commission concerning the amendments and
said that “This is a step which will help Armenia in establishing
democratic values and will open the way to Europe,” said she.

According to her, Armenian people must chose what Constitution they
would like to have and in what country they want to live.

The OSCE Yerevan Office Director Vladimir Pryakhin said the process
of constitutional amendments is essential from the point of view of
securing development of democracy. He said the suggestions of the
Venice Commission which are included in the package of amendments
has made the document relevant to international standards.