CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM IN ARMENIA: DECLARATION BY THE CHAIR OF THE COE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS
National Assembly of RA, Armenia
Strasbourg, 10.10.2005
Diogo Freitas do Amaral, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal
and Chairman of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, made
the following statement:
“After several months of intense debate, Armenia’s National Assembly
has just adopted a number of constitutional amendments, in line
with the country’s commitment undertaken when joining the Council of
Europe. The referendum to be held on 27 November on this reform will be
vital for Armenia. By turning out to vote during the referendum, the
people of Armenia will indeed be deciding on changes of fundamental
importance for their future. The expertise of the constitutional
amendments by the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission has shown
that the reform will allow the alignment of the Constitution with
European standards by enhancing the independence of the judiciary,
providing a more balanced distribution of power between the executive
and the legislative branches, as well as promoting local democracy
and freedom of the media.
I appeal to the sense of responsibility and concern for the common
good of Armenia’s political parties, beyond their differences, in
order to support this reform, which is essential to the country’s
future as a democracy. By participating in the referendum and showing
their attachment to the values of freedom and democracy, the people
of Armenia will show their desire to see Armenia fully assume its
part in the European construction.”
“After several months of intense debate, Armenia’s National Assembly
has just adopted a number of constitutional amendments, in line
with the country’s commitment undertaken when joining the Council of
Europe. The referendum to be held on 27 November on this reform will be
vital for Armenia. By turning out to vote during the referendum, the
people of Armenia will indeed be deciding on changes of fundamental
importance for their future. The expertise of the constitutional
amendments by the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission has shown
that the reform will allow the alignment of the Constitution with
European standards by enhancing the independence of the judiciary,
providing a more balanced distribution of power between the executive
and the legislative branches, as well as promoting local democracy
and freedom of the media.
I appeal to the sense of responsibility and concern for the common
good of Armenia’s political parties, beyond their differences, in
order to support this reform, which is essential to the country’s
future as a democracy. By participating in the referendum and showing
their attachment to the values of freedom and democracy, the people
of Armenia will show their desire to see Armenia fully assume its
part in the European construction.”