PACE ATTACHES IMPORTANCE TO POLITICAL PARTIES’ COOPERATION ON ISSUES
OF IMPORTANCE TO ARMENIA
YEREVAN, AUGUST 19, NOYAN TAPAN. The adoption of the constitutional
reforms is a test for Armenia, with both the authorities and the
opposition being responsible for its success because the Constitution
is for the whole state and the people rather than for the current
authorities and for one day. PACE President Rene van der Linden, who is
on a visit to Yerevan, stated this at the August 19 meeting with the RA
National Assembly President Artur Baghsadarian. He noted that gaining
the confidence and faith of the people is important in order to achieve
success at the constitutional referendum. Rene van der Linden said
that PACE attaches importance to the cooperation among the political
parties on the issues of significance to Armenia, the existence of the
independent mass media, the preparation of accurate electoral rolls,
as well as to imposing punishment on those who committed rigging at
the previous elections. According to A. Baghdasarian, a national
register is being created in order to make the electoral rolls more
accurate, and the necessary legislative steps have been taken with
the aim of holding elections in line with democratic standards. He
noted that the discussions on constitutional reforms will continue
with NGOs and political forces. The NA President underlined the
importance of the whole society’s participation in deciding the fate
of the Armenian Constitution, as well as the imprortance of creating
an atmosphere of mutual trust, which will allow to orientate oneself
correctly. According to the RA National Assembly PR Department, the
sides pointed out that the adoption of the constitutional reforms
will play a crucial role in Armenia’s development, strengthening its
authority and prospects of progress.