EUROPEAN COMMISSION SHARES OSCE ASSESSMENT OF ARMENIA’S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

PanARMENIAN.Net
22.02.2008 14:51 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "I have taken note of the preliminary findings of
the OSCE Election Observation Mission for the February 19 presidential
elections in Armenia. I commend the people of Armenia and its leaders
on the fact that these elections were conducted mostly in line with
the country’s international commitments," says a statement issued
by European Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner on the conduct of
presidential elections in Armenia.

"As the OSCE Election Observation Mission stated in its preliminary
statement further improvements will be necessary to address remaining
challenges, in particular strengthening of public confidence in
the electoral process. At the same time it is important to note that
considerable progress has been achieved with regard to the preparation
and conduct of the electoral process since the last Presidential
elections in 2003 thanks to reforms undertaken.

Support for these reforms is a key priority of the EU/Armenia Action
Plan under the European Neighborhood Policy. The European Commission
will continue to assist Armenia on its path to political and economic
reforms. The recent strengthening of the Commission presence in
Yerevan through the opening of an EC Delegation is a clear sign of
our ongoing commitment.

I am confident that the new President of Armenia, together with the
new government, will continue firmly on the path of reform, which
is vital for the Armenian people as well as for the future of our
relationship," Mr. Ferrero-Waldner said.