EU Presidency: The pariamentary elections in Armenia were, on the whole,
free and fair

ArmRadio.am
14.05.2007 11:49

Presidency of the European Union (EU) stated `with satisfaction’ that
the parliamentary elections held in Armenia on 12 May `were, on the
whole, conducted fairly, freely and largely in accordance with the
international commitments which Armenia had entered into,’ Mediamax
reports.

`Presidency welcomes the fact that, compared to previous elections,
significant progress has been made,’ the document reads.

`The Presidency also welcomes the fact that the parliamentary
elections were observed and monitored closely and in a professional
manner by a comprehensive ODIHR election observation mission and by
delegations from the OSCE and Council of Europe Parliamentary
Assemblies,’ is noted in the statement.

Looking ahead to the presidential elections due to be held at the
beginning of 2008, the EU Presidency called on Armenia to investigate
and resolve the procedural problems which still exist, particularly
those concerning vote-counting but also the isolated cases of
irregularities which were observed.

`The Presidency of the European Union is very much in favor of
intensifying cooperation with Armenia. This would breathe new life
into the European Neighborhood Policy and the Action Plan agreed under
it’, the statement reads.