On April 19 RA NA President Artur Baghdasaryan met the participants of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Eighth Meeting.

The Parliament President highlighted the enlargement of the European Union-Armenia relationship and the deepening of democracy in Armenia, expressing a wish that during the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Eighth Meeting the participants had opportunities to have a sufficient understanding and get information.

He highlighted the fast start of the New Neighbourhood programme and its fulfillment as soon as possible not only for Armenia but also for the region because the extension of democracy opens new perspectives and promotes the peace, and is an essential stimulus for making reforms. The NA President noted that by the political forces’ consent a draft of the new Electoral Code has been developed, and the legislative bases of holding elections in conformity with democratic standards are created. The NA President also touched upon the energy problems, noting that Armenia has the need of EU assistance for diversification of energy, and ensuring energy security is of political priority for Armenia. The corruption fighting, making serious reforms in judicial-legal, tax and customs, local self-governance and territorial management sphere were also highlighted. Touching upon the regional problems, the NA President Artur Baghdasaryan highlighted the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh problem through consensus, and considered unacceptable the war-like announcements of Azerbaijan. He noted that Armenia with all its neighbours, including also Turkey is for normal relations and is ready for discussing the current problems around negotiations table.

Ann Isler Beguin, Co-Chair of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, expressing her satisfaction from the effective work of the committee and the detailed introduction of the situation by NA President, noted that the European structures are ready to assist Armenia for deepening democracy. Mrs. Isler Beguin highlighted the adherence to democratic values in the upcoming elections and noted that those elections will be important for the future of Armenia and highlighted the role of mass media and ensuring the opportunities of free working. Touching upon the NK conflict, Mrs. Isler Beguin noted that she would like very much that the Azerbaijanis also adopted constructive stance.

The NA President Artur Baghdasaryan also answered the committee members’ questions, which mainly related to the regional relations and priorities of the country development.