Armenia
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14/05/07
EU CONGRATULATES ARMENIA FOR WELL RUN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
Today, European Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner `commended
thepeople of Armenia and their leaders" on the fact that the May 12
parliamentary elections were conducted largely in accordance
international standards for democratic elections.
This declaration followed the publication of a joint statement by the
OSCE’s International Election Observation Mission, which concluded
that the elections `demonstrated improvement from previous ones’ and
were `largely in accordance with international commitments’.
Ms Ferrero-Waldner added that `Armenia has thus made an important step
forward in fulfilling a key priority of the EU / Armenia Action Plan
underthe European Neighbourhood Policy. I am confident that the new
parliament, together with the new government, will continue firmly on
the path of reform. This is vital for the Armenian people as well as
for the future of our relationship."
Marie Anne Isler Beguin, who headed the EP delegation in Armenia,
concurred: "with their participation in these elections, Armenian
citizens have made a further step towards European democratic values
as foreseen and promoted by the EU Neighborhood Policy. The EU
delegation encourages the Armenian people to continue in this
direction in view of forthcoming elections."
Leo Platvoet, the Head of the delegation sent to Armenia by the
Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, shared in the general
enthusiasm:"we congratulate the Armenian people on showing the will to
hold democratic elections. Some challenges remain, such as
intertwining between political and business interests and improvements
are still needed to the electoral complaints procedure. The Council of
Europe and its Assembly continue to stand ready to assist Armenia in
this process."
Europe’s positive assessment of the electoral process in Armenia
should be of considerable importance to the future of the relationship
between the EU and Armenia.
The party that obtained most votes in the elections was the ruling
Republican Party, followed by Prosperous Armenia, the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation, the Rule of Law Party and the Heritage
Party. Other parties didnot pass the 5% threshold.