DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL OF COUNCIL OF EUROPE SAYS PROGRESS IS REGISTERED IN IMPLEMENTATION OF PACE SUGGESTIONS
ARMENPRESS
May 19, 2008
YEREVAN, MAY 19, ARMENPRESS: Deputy Secretary General of the Council
of Europe Maud de Boer-Buquicchio has got an impression after the
meeting with the Armenian high-ranked officials that a notable progress
has been registered in the implementation of suggestions of PACE,
Ago Group of the Council of Europe Ministers’ Committee and Human
Rights Commissioner. The implementation of the suggestions was the
main issue of discussion during the meetings.
At a briefing followed after the meeting with the Armenian Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian he noted that the body investigating March
1 developments must be independent and transparent: the discussions
and activities held in Armenia in that direction are relevant to the
approaches of the Council of Europe.
Maud de Boer-Buquicchio also noted that within the frameworks of
functioning legislation in Armenia it is possible to exert greater
efforts for releasing people arrested connected with March 1
unrest. She said she is pleased with the information she learnt today.
On the question why the implementation of PACE suggestions is viewed
only from the point of view of their implementation by authorities
and the opposition is not demanded to follow the suggestion of the
PACE and recognize the decision of the Armenian Constitutional Court,
Maud de Boer-Buquicchio said that in real democratic societies steps
must be undertaken both by the authorities and the opposition.
"I call on the authorities for the sake of constructive steps establish
dialogue, I call the opposition to do the same," she said.
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian presented to the Deputy
Secretary General of the Council of Europe the steps the Armenian
authorities are undertaking. "In short period of time after elections
enough steps have been undertaken. On April 25 with the decision of the
president a task group has been set up which is working towards the
implementation of the suggestions and has already presented concrete
suggestions over all the issues. We are seeking to seriously carry
out the suggestions and it was the main issue of our discussion,"
the minister said to the reporters.
He also informed that they also spoke about the implementation of
Armenia’s commitments as a member of the Council of Europe. In that
respect the sides noted that 90 percent of the commitments have been
implemented by now.
E. Nalbandian said that first of all it refers to the constitutional
changes and reforms in the legislation.
"We are aimed at moving forward and at having active participation
within the Council of Europe," the Armenian Foreign Minister said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
