SERZH SARGSYAN: "ARMENIA WILL OVERCOME"

Panorama.am
22:18 20/06/2008

In recent few months Armenia has appeared on the headlines of the
European press for two certain reasons – for both good and bad reasons,
said the president of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan in an interview given
to radio Liberty.

See the interview below based on the version provided by the press
service of President’s Administration.

"In recent few months Armenia has appeared on the headlines of
the European press for two certain reasons – for both good and bad
reasons. The first was the events in took place in the capital city
after the presidential elections in February; and the second one was
the meeting of president scheduled on June 7, when my counterpart –
the president of Azerbaijan and me met. Both of them have emphasized
that Armenia is a country passing a transitional stage within
European neighborhood. Though there are numerous obstacles in this way
Armenia keeps improving the reforms and strengthening its democratic
institutions as a part leading towards sustainable governing.

Post-election disagreements gave me an opportunity to take the
initiative and join four Parliamentarian factions from existing five
and form a political coalition. The principle ideology of the coalition
is to implement large-scale democracy-oriented, social, and economic
reforms, which, by the way are being implemented now. We do work
together to match the spirit of Resolution 1609 of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)."

Tangible reform which are in line with the international standards
include to liberalize the RA law on "holding meetings, rallies,
marches and demonstrations", to expand the rights of parliamentarian
opposition through certain legislative changes, which guarantee an
inclusive role in the political system and decision-making processes,
drafting full package of reforms of the Electoral Code which would
match OSCE recommendations including provisions for the participation
of the parliamentarian and non-parliamentarian parties, and profound
legislative changes in the RA Law on TV and Radio. All the above
mentioned points are conducted based on the positive assessment of
Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.

These are decisive steps towards long-term reforms addressed to the
discontent caused after the recent elections and they are to guarantee
more freedom for Armenians. We do welcome any recommendation made by
the European Union and the upcoming French presidency for supporting
these reforms and ensuring effective implementation. Above and beyond
PACE recommendations, we have taken the initiative to conduct major
legislative enforcement reforms, and a parliamentary special committee
is formed by the participation of the NA factions which is aimed to
study the tragic circumstances of post-electoral events. This committee
will be authorized to conduct profound study and to come up with its
own independent findings and conclusions. The extra-parliamentarian
groups, civil society institutions, and independent international
experts are encouraged to participate in these efforts.

Although there is still much work to be done, we and PACE Monitoring
Committee has observed important progress. I am happy to say that
the political coalition is wiling to implement our ambitious plans.

We do recognize that we long to be attractive for Europe and broader
international community.

History has been cruel to Armenia. Our people have overcome various
difficulties, both in previous years and recently. But we are certain
that our country should not stick in a stage of permanent transition.

Learning much from the U.S. civil rights movement, I am sure that
despite of the future challenges we shall overcome. Being one of the
enthusiastic member of the European neighborhood, Armenia will prove
that its democratic governance is irreversible."