We cannot accept closed borders between Council of Europe member States,
PACE President declared in Yerevan
Strasbourg, 05.07.2007 – During his meetings in Yerevan, PACE President
René van der Linden stressed that utmost priority must be given to
improving relations among the countries of the region as a way to
necessary reconciliation and to building a new future for young
generations.
He called for compromise to solve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which
may be painful but necessary to ensure the development of the region.
"Open borders are a pre-condition for prosperity. We cannot accept
closed borders between Council of Europe member states," he said.
He called on the Armenian authorities to use the forthcoming
presidential elections to consolidate the democratic progress achieved
during the recent parliamentary elections.
"The Council of Europe and its Assembly are ready to contribute to this
process with their expertise and instruments," he added.
Mr van der Linden mentioned in particular in this connection the need to
ensure that media, especially TV and radio, are truly independent and
the need to continue the judicial reform.
Finally, he called on all political forces represented in the
Parliament, both from the majority and the opposition, to observe the
democratic rules of political life and work in mutual respect for the
future of their country.
The President will continue his visit in Georgia and Azerbaijan
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Press Release
Parliamentary Assembly Communication Unit
Ref: 485a07
Tel: +33 3 88 41 31 93
Fax :+33 3 90 21 41 34
pace.com@coe.int
internet:
The Parliamentary Assembly brings together 318 members from the national
parliaments of the 47 member states.
President: René van der Linden (Netherlands, EPP/CD); Secretary
General of the Assembly: Mateo Sorinas.
Political Groups: SOC (Socialist Group); EPP/CD (Group of the European
People’s Party); ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe);
EDG (European Democratic Group); UEL (Group of the Unified European
Left).