NEW SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF COE SECRETARY GENERAL APPOINTED

armradio.am
11.09.2008 16:38

On September 11 RA National Assembly Speaker Tigran Torosyan received
the Director General of Political Affairs and Cooperation of the
Council of Europe Claudia Luciani, who is in Armenia to present the
newly appointed Special Representative of the CoE Secretary General
Silvia Zahe.

Attaching importance to the Armenia-Council of Europe relations,
NA Speaker Tigran Torosyan expressed hope that in some time it will
become possible to return to the main issue, the implementation of
Armenia’s commitments before the Council of Europe, since European
integration is of primary importance for Armenia and certain unwanted
events should not shadow the main issue. He expressed willingness
to support the newly appointed Special Representative of the CoE
Secretary General Silvia Zahe during his mission in Armenia.

The interlocutors turned to the draft law on "Implementing Amendments
to RA Law on Television and Radio" and the "Law on Meetings,
Demonstrations, Gatherings, Marches and Rallies."

During the meeting reference was made to the Armenian-Turkish
relations.

Highly appreciating the Turkish President’s visit to our country at the
invitation of RA President Serzh Sargsyan, Tigran Torosyan attached
greater importance to undertaking further practical steps. According
to the assessment of Mrs. Luciani, some Turkish businessmen are
especiall y attentive towards these changes, anticipating opening
of the border and cooperation with the Armenian side. Speaker Tigran
Torosyan considers that opening of the border will demand a long time,
since the Turkish side is really ready for that step.

When joining the Council of Europe in 2001, Armenia and Azerbaijan
assumed responsibilities, including the peaceful resolution of the
Karabakh conflict. However, the propaganda of hatred towards neighbors
and rapid growth of military expenses continues in Azerbaijan, which
counters the committments assumed. According to Tigran Torosyan, being
the most important European structure, to which Armenia and Azerbaijan
are members, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe should
take a more principled and consistent stance, which will contribute to
the establishment of peace in the region and resolution of conflicts.