RA AMBASSADOR PRESENTS ESSENCE OF POLITICAL REFORMS IMPLEMENTED IN ARMENIA TO PRESIDENT OF AUSTRIAN NATIONALRAT

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 14 2006

VIENNA, JUNE 14, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Issues relating to
the home political situation in Armenia were discussed at the the June
13 meeting of Armenian Ambassador to to Austria Ashot Hovakimian with
President of Austrian Nationalrat Andreas Khol.

Ambassador Hovakimian presented the essence of the political reforms
implemented in the country through constitutional amendments,
the current interrelations between Armenia and its neighboring
countries. The Ambassador expressed bewilderment that Turkey –
a country intending to become a EU member, keeps in a blockade a
country cooperating with EU within the framework of the European
Neighborhood policy.

A.Hovakimian attached importance to the role of Austria in the issue
of further development of EU-Armenia cooperation within the framework
of the European Neighborhood policy.

RA Ambassador also touched upon the issue of recognition of the
Armenian Genocide mentioning that the international community gradually
moves towards this.

A.Khol mentioned that Armenia has a good reputation in the Austrian
public perception, which is partly conditioned by Franz Werfel’s
contribution, as well as the activity of the Mechitarist Congregation
of Vienna.

According to RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department,
on June 9, RA Ambassador was also received by President of Austrian
Bundesrat Sissy Roth-Halvax. Armenian-Austrian interparliamentary
relations, as well as prospects of establishment of cooperation among
Armenian marzes and Austrian regions were discussed at the meeting.