On May 16 the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan received EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Ambassador Mr. Peter Semneby. Mr Avet Adonts, Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on European Integration, Head of European Commission in Armenia, Ambassador Mr. Raul Lutzenberger and Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Poland to Armenia Mr. Tomasz Knothe.

Greeting the guests the NA President expressed satisfaction for the process of EU Eastern Partnership programme, the results of the summit held in Prague on May 7 and growing interest of the European Union towards the region, expressing hope that the meeting of the presidents of the countries will follow the meetings of the heads of the parliaments. In this context it was stressed once more that Armenia had declared European integration as political priority. With respect to boosting regional stability, peace, as well as political and economic cooperation, Mr. Abrahamyan highlighted the necessity of parliamentary bilateral contacts, and activation of partnership. The NA President emphasized the meeting of EU-Armenia parliamentary cooperation committee, expressing satisfaction for the results. Touching upon the process of Karabakh problem settlement, the NA President Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan noted that Armenia highlights the mediation the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in the process of the settlement of the conflict as a practical format of negotiation process, underlining that the recognition of the right of self- determination of Nagorno Karabakh people and the non-use of force should be a basis for the settlement of the conflict. During the meeting the sides touched upon inner political situation of Armenia. The NA President highlighted the provision of the atmosphere of tolerance in the country, expressing conviction that the progress in that direction would be noticeable in the coming months.

Mr. Peter Semneby also highlighted the start of the Eastern Partnership and the signing of declaration, which took place in Prague. This will be an important basis for the development of regional cooperation and bilateral relations. The EU Special Representative highly assessed Mr. Abrahamyan’s proposal to boost the regional inter-parliamentary cooperation and bilateral contacts, which, in his conviction, will greatly promote the peaceful settlement of the conflicts and establishment of stability in the region.

At the meeting both sides highlighted the fair and transparent conduct of elections of Yerevan Council of Elders and discussed other issues of bilateral interest.