STATE THAT CHOOSES MILITARY SETTLEMENT OF CONFLICT HAS NO RIGHT TO REMAIN COE MEMBER
PanARMENIAN.Net
05.05.2006 19:39 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Five years is a term sufficient enough for the
assessment of the way Armenia has passed towards the European
integration, Mr. Jean-Louis Laurens, the Director General of Political
Affairs of the Council of Europe stated at a press conference in
Yerevan. In his words, there are positive outcomes these being the
consolidation of the state system, development of civic society and
Armenia’s engagement into the European Neighborhood Policy.
“The South Caucasus is a part of Europe and we are interested in
strengthening of democracy and promotion of reforms. Armenia has fixed
certain progress in the direction. The next step should be come the
bringing of the state legislation in correspondence with the reviewed
Constitution. First of all the Penal Code and the juridical system
should be reformed,” he remarked.
“The most important events both for Armenia and the CoE are the
forthcoming elections in 2007 and 2008.
It’s very important that the parliamentary and presidential election
corresponded to international standards. I cannot say what will be
next years but I hope the elections will be fair,” the CoE Director
General of Political Affairs said.
He also remarked that the conference dedicated to the 5th anniversary
of Armenia’s CoE membership is held at the time when Brussels launched
the final stage of negotiations on the Armenia-EU Individual Action
Plan within the European Neighborhood Policy. The way towards the
European Union is the same as that towards the Council of Europe, since
the tasks and objectives are the same. Armenia like the other states
should fulfill all the commitments undertaken. This refers to the
conflict settlement as well. A CoE member state that chooses military
settlement of any conflict has no right to remain CoE member. This rule
refers to all. The Council of Europe is a roof under which the states
are obliged to live in peace and friendship,” Lourens underscored.