FRENCH AND SPANISH OMBUDSMEN OFFICES TO ASSIST ARMENIA’S OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE

ARMENPRESS
Oct 26, 2009

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 26, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Ombudsman’s Office will
receive support this year from the same offices of France and Spain.

The works will be carried out within the framework of "Twining" program
the main goal of which is to support the Armenian Ombudsman’s Office
in technical and organizational functions.

Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan said today presenting the program that
a group of representatives of Spanish and French ombudsmen’s offices
will arrive in Armenia and cooperate with Armenian partners.

"Works will be carried out in several directions. The legal basis
of the activity of ombudsman will be studied, issues on creation
of branches, human resources, increase of public awareness will
be discussed. I am sure that effective work will be carried out,"
Harutyunyan said.

This initiative is the first program of European neighborhood policy
action program the budget of which is 1 million euro and the duration –
18 months.

Head of the delegation of the European Commission to Armenia Raul de
Luzenberger, highlighting the initiative, noted that the ombudsmen’s
offices of France and Spain will support and promote the development
of the system.

Head of staff of the France’s ombudsmen office Kristian Le Ron noted
that France and Spain will bring together their forces and support
the development of Armenian human rights defense institute.

"This is a very important program and as a result of a joint work it
will have its best result," he said.

Senior head of staff of the Spanish Human Rights Office Karmen
Komas-Mata Mira said the Spanish ombudsman’s office has developed
and annually receives 20,000 applications.