COUNCIL OF EUROPE HOPES FOR FAIR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
05.11.2007 15:12 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "The Council of Europe will keep on cooperating
with Armenia for its further integration into European structures,"
Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis said at a meeting
with students of Yerevan State University.

"New opportunities are provided for greater democratization of the
Armenian society," he said.

"Armenia has worked a long way during recent 6 years but it’s not
enough to completely meet European standards. The adoption of reviewed
Constitution was a step forward. Election of Mayor of Yerevan via
a popular vote and expansion of local self-government authority are
the main achievements here," he said.

"However, there are minuses as well. The leadership and opposition
fail to establish a culture of dialogue. You should strengthen struggle
against corruption and fix a provision on alternative military service
in the legislation," Mr Davis said.

When touching upon the 2008 presidential elections, he voiced hope
that the elections will be free and fair.