STRENGTHENING OF RELATIONSHIP WITH ARMENIA IS CRUCIALLY IN EUROPE’S INTERESTS

Panorama.am
18:56 09/02/2008

It is crucially in Europe’s interests to strengthen its relationship
with Armenia and to support the country in its ongoing democratic
reforms, Executive Director of European Foundation for Democracy
Roberta Bonazzi said at the Conference on Democratic Reforms in
Armenia in an Evolving Geopolitical Context in Yerevan on Friday 8.

"In the current international scenario, Armenia plays a key role as a
country that has managed to develop a constructive dialogue both with
Europe and the United States on the one hand, and Russia and Iran,
on the other, said Roberta Bonazzi . "The European Foundation for
Democracy is keen to contribute towards process of strengthening of
relations and to support democratic reforms towards an open society
in Armenia."

Roberta Bonazzi said "the aim of the conference was to contribute
to the overall debate on democratic reforms and to continue raising
awareness of what democracy is and how, by casting their votes,
citizens can have an impact and play a role in the policy-making of
their country". Elections represent a significant, but not exclusive
moment of a democratic system. "However, we also strongly believe that
the legitimacy of electoral results actually derives from citizens’
participation and turnout to the polls".

Key speakers at the Conference, Nobel Peace Prize Lord David Trimble
and Paris University expert Professor Bernard Owen, pointed out that
"it is not the role of Europe and more in general of the international
community, to provide packaged solutions".

Two main points emerged from the one-day discussions among the
panel of experts. Firstly, the role of the European Union in the
democratisation and institutional reform processes should not be
overstated, it is nonetheless important and potentially beneficial
not only for the governments but also for the people. Secondly, an
effective representative government with sound democratic institutions
can be achieved because democracy is both a value and an interest.

The European Foundation for Democracy (EFD) is a Brussels-based
organization that works closely with European institutions, civil
society, and individuals across ethnic and political divides in support
of democracy and freedom around the world. EFD’s fellows consist
of experts in democratic reforms, gender equality, terrorism, and
national and international security. EFD supports, through discourse,
action, and leadership democracy and freedom, universal human rights,
rule of law, gender equality, security, stability, and peace.