On September 20 the NA President Mr. Tigran Torosyan received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Armenia Mr. Onno Elderenbosch.

During the meeting issues of developing the inter-parliamentary cooperation were discussed. Highlighting the importance of the inter-state relations with the Kingdom of the Netherlands Mr. Tigran Torosyan noted, that Armenia has declared the integration to Europe as a priority in the international relations, and within that framework the experience and capabilities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands are of great interest for Armenia.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Armenia Mr. Onno Elderenbosch noted, that his country is interested in Armenia and when the programme of cooperation with the European Union is signed in October, new capabilities of strengthening the cooperation and joint projects will be launched within the framework of the European Union. Mr. Ambassador informed that in November there will be parliamentary elections in the Netherlands and said that after the elections he will be ready to do his best in order to organize mutual visits and deepen the inter-parliamentary contacts.

Upon the Ambassador’s request, Mr. Tigran Torosyan touched upon the issues of regional relations and especially the problem of energy and said that Armenia is ready for having normal relations with all the neighbours without preconditions, but unfortunately two of them are not ready for it. Particularly Azerbaijan has adopted a policy of anti-Armenian propaganda, which does not comply with the obligations undertaken as a PACE member country and absolutely does not contribute to the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as it is obvious that the key to this resolution is not petrodollars. It is not a coincidence that the EU representatives expressed their concern about the increase of military budget of Azerbaijan and the obvious militaristic policy. Yet, for instance, the relations with Iran develop in an atmosphere of mutual respect. It was noted that during the visit of the President of Majlis of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) the issue of building a second gas pipeline between IRI and the Republic of Armenia was discussed as a possibility to expand cooperation in the sphere of energy. Mr. Elderenbosch also stressed the importance of establishing energy independence in strengthening peace and stability in the region.

The parties also touched upon the 2007 parliamentary elections of Armenia and emphasized the importance of conducting the elections in compliance with international standards. The NA President noted that after the referendum of constitutional reforms the Parliament has initiated legislative amendments and the adoption of new laws in order to harmonize the legislation with the Constitution. The draft law on amendments to the new Electoral Code will also be adopted in the near future. It was noted that the representatives of OSCE, PACE and other international organizations will take part in the elections with an Observation Mission, and conducting the elections fully in compliance with the European standards will make possible to end the monitoring of Armenia in the Council of Europe, as practically all the conventions are ratified and at that time the laws will be adopted.

During the meeting other issues were also discussed.