PRESIDENT SARGSYAN MET WITH PACE CHAIRMAN

armradio.am
25.07.2008 12:01

President Serzh Sargsyan received Luis Maria de Puig, President of the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), President’s
Press Office reported.

The two sides discussed the process of implementation of the
recommendations contained in Resolutions 1609 and 1620.

Noting that the authorities scrupulously studied the two Resolutions,
President Sargsyan reiterated the determination of Armenia to fully
implement them. At the same time he said that the provisions of the
Resolutions are present in his pre-election program, as well as in
the Memorandum signed by the political coalition. "It means that we
are taking those steps not because we are compelled to but because we
are determined to," stressed the President of Armenia. He added that
"I am confident that for Armenia there is no way other than democracy
and we will follow that way steadily."

The President of PACE positively assessed his visit to Armenia and
said that his objective was to encourage and assist in the rapid
implementation of the provisions of the Resolutions. He said that some
progress in that direction was already noticeable which is commendable.

Mr. Luis Maria de Puig spoke with the President of Armenia about
the impartial investigation of the events of March 1-2. He concurred
with the proposal of the CE Commissioner for Human Rights,20Thomas
Hammarberg to establish a fact-finding mission.

The next issue raised by the President of PACE concerned the currently
detained individuals. He noted that it doesn’t concern the individuals
who committed crimes or acts of violence. President Sargsyan rejected
the notion that anyone can be convicted without solid facts and
indictment.

The President of PACE expressed conviction that Armenia would be
able to rapidly overcome difficulties and build a strong democratic
system. He added that the authorities as well as the opposition
have responsibilities and are accountable for the future. Mr. Luis
Maria de Puig said that the Council of Europe respects the choice of
the Armenian people and suggests the opposition to respect it too
and recognize the results of the elections as it is stipulated in
Resolution 1609.