On September 4 Mr. Avet Adonts, Chairman of the Standing Committee on European Integration of the National Assembly met with the representatives of authoritative mass-media of 15 member countries of the European Union.

The European center of journalism by the order of European Commission carries out a number of information briefings for the journalists of the EU, separate groups of which visit the EU neighbouring states and illustrate the process of the programs carried out in those countries within the framework of EU Neighourhood Policy – the economic, political and social developments of those countries.

At the beginning of the meeting Mr. Adonts presented the staff and the structure of the National Assembly, the activity of the commission headed by him, then he answered the European journalists’ questions.

Representing the TV of Slovenia, Ms. Helena M. was interested in the course of the reforms of the judicial system in Armenia. According to Mr. Adonts, last year the reforms of the judicial system first generation, providing independence of the legal system, were completed. The reforms of the judicial system are within the framework of the obligations of СЕ and in this sphere Armenia actively cooperates with the СЕ, in particular with the Venice Commission. The reforms of the second generation are in a stage of realization, where the reforms of the judicial system have a great role. Great work is being done on harmonization of the legislation with European standards. Mr. Adonts said that the European integration is one of the priorities of our external and internal policy and Armenia is interested in more development of the mutual cooperation with the European structures.

To the question of the Spanish journalist Ms. Maria-Alba J. whether all the parliamentary factions agree for Armenia to have neutral position in theRussia – Georgia relations Mr. Adontssaid that in his opinion all the factions in general agree with a neutral position of Armenia.

Barbara Gruber, German journalist was interested in what expectation there were from the visit of the president of Turkey Abdullah Gul. Mr. Adonts welcomed Abdullah Gul’s visit.

After the developments in South Ossetia Turkey performed by the initiative of “the Caucasian house” - it assumes participation of Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Russia and Turkey. Armenia promotes and is a supporter of any regional initiative, which will promote the regional security and stimulation of mutual cooperation. According to Mr. Adonts discussions, related to the format will take place. It is difficult to imagine the productivity of the initiative without participation of Iran.

Czech journalist Lubos Palata asked, whether Armenia is going to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia? In reply to the question Mr. Adonts said that Armenia has not recognized even the independence of Karabakh and also Kosovo and in these conditions the recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is completely illogical.

Issues, related to Armenia – NATO mutual cooperation, settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict were sounded during the meeting. According to Mr. Adonts the Armenia - NATO mutual cooperation is at a rather high level, but there is no issue on membership to NATO in the political agenda of Armenia.

Touching upon the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict Mr. Adonts said that it is a very unique issue and cannot be compared with the other issues. The conflict is tried to be solved through cooperation. Russia, the USA and France cooperate in order to settle the core problems.

The classical variant of realization of the right of self-determination takes place. The developments in South Ossetia have shown that the solution of the conflicts through military ways is unacceptable and there is no alternative for the peace decision.