European Structures Are Ready to Assist the Deepening of Democracy in Armenia

National Assembly of RA, Armenia
April 20 2006

On April 19 RA NA President Artur Baghdasaryan met the participants
of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Eighth Meeting.

The Parliament President highlighted the enlargement of the European
Union-Armenia relationship and the deepening of democracy in Armenia,
expressing a wish that during the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation
Committee Eighth Meeting the participants had opportunities to have
a sufficient understanding and get information.

He highlighted the fast start of the New Neighbourhood programme
and its fulfillment as soon as possible not only for Armenia but
also for the region because the extension of democracy opens
new perspectives and promotes the peace, and is an essential
stimulus for making reforms. The NA President noted that by the
political forces’ consent a draft of the new Electoral Code has
been developed, and the legislative bases of holding elections in
conformity with democratic standards are created. The NA President
also touched upon the energy problems, noting that Armenia has the
need of EU assistance for diversification of energy, and ensuring
energy security is of political priority for Armenia. The corruption
combating, making serious reforms in judicial-legal, tax and customs,
local self-governance and territorial management sphere were also
highlighted. Touching upon the regional problems, the NA President
Artur Baghdasaryan highlighted the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh
problem through consensus, and considered unacceptable the war-like
announcements of Azerbaijan. He noted that Armenia with all its
neighbours, including also Turkey is for normal relations and is
ready for discussing the current problems around negotiations table.

Ann Isler Beguin, Co-Chair of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation
Committee, expressing her satisfaction from the effective work of
the committee and the detailed introduction of the situation by NA
President, noted that the European structures are ready to assist
Armenia for deepening democracy. Mrs. Isler Beguin highlighted the
adherence to democratic values in the upcoming elections and noted
that those elections will be important for the future of Armenia and
highlighted the role of mass media and ensuring the opportunities of
free working. Touching upon the NK conflict, Mrs.

Isler Beguin noted that she would like very much that the Azerbaijanis
also adopted constructive stance.

The NA President Artur Baghdasaryan also answered the committee
members’ questions, which mainly related to the regional relations
and priorities of the country development.