"CoE IS NOT A "DEVIL" TO BE AFRAID OF"

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[07:25 pm] 23 May, 2008

Armenia has not implemented any recommendation of the PACE Resolution
1609, Zharangutiun MP Stepan Safarian said in reply to Radio Free
Europe / Radio Liberty.

Zharangutiun MP Vardan Khacahtrian added that the recommendations
cannot be carried out within the mentioned time.

All other factions sounded optimistic of the matter.

For instance, BhK MP, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Standing
Committee on European Integration Avet Adonts notes that Armenia
will present in Strasbourg everything done within the short period,
including the activity of working groups and the intention to form
an independent expert’s panel.

And yet, Adonts thinks that Armenia’s delay with the recommendations
will affect the country’s reputation on the international
level. Moreover, no documents are significant unless vital changes
are made in the home life.

"Let them deprive us of the right to vote and impose punishment on
us but the documents will not important for me unless home problems
are solved," said Avet Adonts.

BhK member Naira Zohrabian added that the amendments to the Law on
"Meetings, demonstrations, marches and rallies" will be passed during
the June sittings.

ARF Dashnaksutiun member Ara Nranian thinks an overall approach to
problems is needed.

OYK member Artashes Avoyan noted that two sittings have been convened
to consider the recommendations. He hopes the country will implement
all the recommendations in due time.

"The Council of Europe is not a "devil" to be afraid of. We carry out
the reforms ourselves because they are in the interests of Armenia,"
HHK member Hermine Naghdalian told journalists.