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Press releases
24
07, 2008
Today President Serzh Sargsyan received Luis Maria de Puig, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
Today President Serzh Sargsyan received Luis Maria de Puig, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
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 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, Thomas 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 speedily 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.
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 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, Thomas 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 speedily 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.