Issues of Armenia ` Council of Europe cooperation discussed in Strasbourg
armradio.am
07.05.2008 12:56
On May 6 in Strasbourg RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian had
meetings with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry
Davis, and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe Lluà – s Maria de Puig.
During the meetings the parties appreciated the close cooperation
between the Council of Europe and Armenia, stressing the importance of
the dialogue with Armenia in the direction of deepening democracy and
reinforcing the rule of law. In this regard Minister Nalbandian
specially praised the cooperation between PACE and the Armenian
delegation to PACE, which was recently reflected during the discussions
on the activity of the democratic institutions in Armenia at the spring
session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The
Foreign Minister noted the provisions of the resolution are in the
focus of attention of RA authorities.
Edward Nalbandian informed the interlocutors that a working group has
been created to coordinate the accomplishment of the proposals included
in PACE Resolution #1609. The Minister noted that the political
coalition of Armenia has already come forth with a statement, where it
expresses willingness to implement the reforms envisaged by the
pre-election platforms, the coalition agreement, the government
program, PACE Resolution #1609, which particularly refer to the
expansion of opportunities of the opposition’s activity in the
political system, raise of the public trust in electoral processes,
reinforcement of the freedom of speech and mass media activity,
coordination of the judicial system with European standards. The
reforms to be implemented should contribute to the stable development
of democratic institutions in Armenia and ensuring the rule of law. The
Foreign Minister underlined that this will be done not only for the
purpose of meeting the commitments before the Council of Europe, but
also because it is the reasonable choice of the Armenian people.
Edward Nalbandian presented to the Secretary General of the Council of
Europe and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council
of Europe the state of the negotiations on the Karabakh conflict
settlement. He reconfirmed the willingness of Armenia to continue the
current process based on the suggestions of the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chairs introduced to the parties during the Ministerial Conference
in Madrid. The Armenian Foreign Minister noted that it provides an
opportunity to register progress in the direction of conflict
resolution, if the parties refrain from steps that can hinder the
talks. To reach tangible progress in the negotiations it is necessary
to establish an atmosphere of trust.
Issues of Armenia-Council of Europe cooperation were discussed also
during the meeting with the Ambassadors ` members of the Ago Group.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
