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23.05.2005
Official Visit Begins from Brussels
The official visit of Artur Baghdasaryan, RA NA President, to Benelux countries began from Belgium.
On May 23 in Brussels the delegation (Vahe Hakobyan from RPA, Mher Shahgeldyan from OYe, Vostanik Marukhyan from ARF, Aram G. Sargsyan from “Ardarutiun”/Justice) headed by NA President Artur Baghdasaryan, met in the international center of European Policy Crisis Management with the representatives of diplomacy missions and NGOs, European Director of Eurasia Fund and Eurasia Centre, Institute of Open Society, Human Rights’ European Office, European Commission, EU Council, European Centre of Civil Surveys, representatives of Turkey, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and other states in EU. Touching upon the problem of democratic improvements Antje Herrberg, the director of the center noted that as a pledge of prosperity of Armenia, recently Mr. Baghdasaryan wrote in his article: “Pursuing the way to democracy is priority for us. We’ll have to fight against all violations of law and shadow economy as now the corruption and clanism are on our way to democratic improvements.” Mr. Baghdasaryan’s visit to Brussels is a timely opportunity in order to discuss the problems of further democracy in European Neighbourhood, which goes in compliance with the problems of the European Union and establishment of the systems, which is very important in Armenia.
Artur Baghdasaryan, RA NA President, said in his speech: “I’m sure that this discussion will, really be fruitful, as we all seek to the same goal. In the world community every country is unique with its tradition and culture but at the same time we’re part of that big family. The democracy is not only documents and agreements, but the democracy is preserved by the power of law and the system on which it is based. Being active supporters of democracy, considering it an ideal model of management, we note that we’re, really, young democracy, and it makes us more responsible and more conceptual. As being new, doesn’t mean to be dilettante. We have the experience of more developed democracies, we have much to learn, as going on the way of democracy is priority for us, as well as irreplaceable necessity. But, first of all, the corruption and clan economy should not stand on the way of our democratic improvements. The fundamental freedoms are the pillar of democracy and will lead us to prosperity, stability and justice.”
In the center of discussion various issues were included: democratic improvements of Armenia, relations with neighbours and regional cooperation, settlement of Nagorno Karabakh problem, authorities-opposition relations, future of Armenia and so forth. The whole delegation participated in question and answer. Answering the question Artur Baghdasaryan said that the democratic processes in Armenia are irreversible and involve all spheres of public life. In particular, the Constitutional amendments, Electoral Code, the RA law “On the Order of Holding Meetings, Rallies, Marches and Demonstrations” were highlighted. In connection with the Constitution it was noted that the key issues are the distinct separation of the liabilities of the power wings, the protection of human rights, the formation of independent judicial system and strengthening of the local self-government system. The Constitutional amendments have already been adopted in the first reading and in June together with the experts of Venice Commission after being discussed once again the second reading will be held in the parliament. And the referendum is envisaged in autumn because when the it refers to the Basic Law of the country, the most important thing is its updating in the best way, and presenting it to the society in its best way. Touching upon the process of improvements, the Parliament President noted that the process, naturally, is not easy. Not the power should restrict the rights of people, but the right should restrict the power of people.
In response to regional relations, NA President Artur Baghdasaryan noted that Armenia is for having normal relations with all the neighbours. And the contribution of the parliaments in that matter will be the establishment of South Caucasus Parliamentary Assembly: already based on the South Caucasus Parliamentary Initiative, it will become a structure, where the possibilities of establishing and developing political, economic, and scientific-cultural relations of the region can be discussed. It was also noted that the settlement of the conflicts is the main issue, if we want the region to be integrated into European family. That issue refers to all three South Caucasus states because the region is seen as a unified market. And the settlement of that matter is conditioned by implanting democracy.
In connection with Nagorno Karabakh problem it was noted that Armenia is for peaceful way of the settlement of the problem through negotiations by compromises. The Parliament President highlighted the participation of different layers of the society.
Speaking on Nagorno Karabakh problem, Aram G. Sargsyan, member of “Ardarutiun” (Justice) noted that the Karabakh people began its fighting for being independent from Azerbaijan and used all the rights in compliance with international laws, so other status is not expected. But compromises are necessary because numerous problems arose during these processes: there was war, the problem of refugees and territories arose, and within that framework compromises can be. The MP considered necessary the public discussions on the issue.
Referring to Armenia-Turkey relations NA President Artur Baghdasaryan noted that the meeting with Bulent Arinch, President of the Turkish Parliament in Strasbourg, that was the first one with similar format, testifies to the fact the sides have opportunity to talk and discuss with each other, and that is the only way to overcome the accumulated disagreements on all problems. The representative of the Turkish Embassy connected once again the problem of the opening the border with the problem that Armenia does not acknowledge the borders of Turkey and as if it has reference to the Western Armenia in its Constitution. NA President reminded that there is no such record in the Constitution of Armenia, and it’s not difficult to be convinced in it: the Constitution is posted in Internet. “We think that we should improve our relations with Turkey without preconditions and live in peace, we’ll have to look forward and think about our heir,” said NA President noting that Armenia is not against Turkey’s joining the European Union but that double standards should not work.
During the discussion of power-opposition relations the issue of the reasons of the opposition’s boycott was raised. Vostanik Marukhyan, MP of ARF faction noted that the opposition was proposed to take part in the discussions of the laws and, in particular, in case of Constitution the opposition bloc announced that if the recommendations of the Venice Commission are adopted, then the Constitutional amendments will be acceptable for them, but the recommendations were adopted, but the opposition continues its boycott. Though that boycott is partial because Arshak Sadoyan, MP, member of the bloc presented one of the discussed variants of the Constitutional amendments.
Aram G. Sargsyan conditioned the boycott by the problems not being solved, because of which the boycott was announced.
Elaborating on the discussed problems Mher Shageldyan, MP of OYe (Rule of Law), noted that the development of parliamentarism is the most important issue in the context of the development of democracy. The strengthening of the parliamentary control was highlighted, which promotes the fighting against corruption. The MP highlighted the shaping of the civil society, which will create possibilities for the progress.
The same day the delegation members have been in the center of Antwerp diamond production, then met with Armenian diamond makers.
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