On September 6, Mr. Tigran Torosyan, the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, received Mr. John Evans, the US Ambassador to Armenia in connection with completion of his diplomatic mission in Armenia.

The RA NA President thanked Mr. Ambassador for effective work and noted that relations between the two countries have seriously progressed during the years of his activity, and as a result several projects were implemented in the Parliament, especially the cooperation with the USAID, which promoted the conformity of the Armenian legislation to the international standards. Mr. Torosyan wished success to Mr. Ambassador and expressed confidence that Mr. Ambassador will always remain the friend of Armenia.

Mr. Evans also expressed satisfaction with the development of two countries’ relations and noted that it was a result of teamwork, and the team is ready to cooperate with the National Assembly in future, by continuing the launched programs. He highlighted the experience and knowledge of basic problems of the NA President, which is a basis for success. Touching upon the issue of autumn session to start in few days, Mr. Evans particularly emphasized the draft on Electoral Code out of circulating drafts, the adoption of which will greatly promote the holding of elections in 2007 in conformity with international standards. Mr. Ambassador noted that there are all preconditions in Armenia to become a democracy leader in the region. During the 15 years of the third Republic of Armenia a lot of work has been done, good laws have been adopted. Mr. Evans noted that several programs are carried out to reinforce the democracy and to assist in organization of election, particularly to support in the improvement of electoral rolls’ accuracy and running mechanisms. He also highlighted the observers’ participation in the elections. The US Ambassador to Armenia Mr. Evans emphasized the necessity of anti-corruption fight, where the Parliament has its big role, to reinforce the democracy, the success of which will promote the increase of investments in Armenia.

Mr. Torosyan, the RA NA President, touching upon the issue of elections, noted that they are not only important stage for democracy progress, but also they have to symbolize the direction of future process of Armenia in May 2007. Thus, they are of high importance for Armenia. The adoption of the Electoral Code by OSCE, on the basis of Venice Commission experts’ suggestions will be a serious step toward that. The NA President highlighted the establishment of favorable atmosphere among political forces and the accomplishment of multi party system in the country, when ruling and opposition parties will understand, that they are parts of one unity and not the forces conflicting each other.

The issue of Nagorno Karabakh was touched upon. Mr. T. Torosyan, the RA NA President, highlighted the fact that OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs have chosen a resolution that takes into consideration the principle of people’s self-determination. Mr. also Evans highlighted the third principle of Helsinki Final Act: non-use of military force in conflict resolution. They highlighted the continuation of negotiations and noted that the pre-election period or elections should not be an obstacle for that. It was noted that the increase of Azerbaijan’s military expenses should be in the focus of international community. The peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict is within the undertaken obligations of Azerbaijan, as the PACE member country. The PACE resolution requires to be exempt from military threats and hatred propaganda.

Other issues of mutual importance were also discussed during the meeting.