1 / 2

On July 17 the RA National Assembly Vice President Eduard Sharmazanov received the delegation of the organization European Friends of Armenia/EuFoA (Belgium). The latter, at the invitation of the Nagorno Karabakh authorities, on July 18-21 will carry out Observation Mission in the NKR President’s elections. In the delegation are included member of the European Parliament Eleni Theocharous , editor-in-chief of the journal of the EU Foreign Relations, former member of the European Parliament and Bundestag Hans-Jűrgen Zahorka, European Friends of Armenia Secretary General Michael Kambeck and others.

Welcoming the guests for visiting the National Assembly, as well as for accepting the NKR authorities’ Eduard Sharmazanov noted that the strengthening of European values and the deepening of European integration are Armenia’s priorities. On behalf of the meeting participants he thanked all of them, the countries and structures, which support the advancing of European system of values in Armenia and democratic freedoms.

The NA Vice President deemed characteristic the visit of the European Friends of Armenia, when in Nagorno Karabakh the next presidential elections will be held. He expressed confidence that the guests, visiting Karabakh, they would be convinced that the democratic values, how much progress have they had, and here they were resolute to establish the independent republic on this basis.

Eduard Sharmazanov highlighted the humanitarian support of the organization European Friends of Armenia, noting that it was highly assessed both in Armenia and in Artsakh.

Thanking for warm reception Eleni Theocharous noted with satisfaction that the European values were available in Armenia, and here they were consistent for its further deepening and strengthening. “I will be glad to inform the Europeans about the progress which your country has recorded not only for the establishment of democracy, but also improving it. At present, my country, Cyprus, moderates in the European Union, and I ensure you that we’d do our utmost to support Armenia in all directions,” Mrs Theocharous noted. She qualified their visit as pilgrimage, noting that 15 years ago she saw the freest spirit in the very Stepanakert. She ensured that the Armenian side could rely on all European forces which were consistent for the solution of conflicts, particularly through peaceful and just way the NK conflict.

In his turn Eduard Sharmazanov noted they were convinced in Armenia that the presidency of Cyprus would be effective in the EU, irrespective of the fact that many Turkish politicians had made different contradictory statements with that respect. Noting that Armenia was for United Cyprus he expressed conviction that in the 21^st century speaking from the position of force, making walls, proposiong preconditions, had no relation to European values. “It is connceted with both Turkey and Azerbaijan. The Republic of Armenia and the RPA, as ruyling and EPP member state, find that the conflicts should be solved as a result of negotiations and not from the positions of force,” Eduard Sharmazanov said, ensuring that they also think like that in Nagorno Karabakh. He expressed confidence that visiting Karabakh, the European politicians would be personally convicned that the population of Karabakh in reality built democracy and there was no way back. “It is very important for us that our European friends make this visit, which is very important both for the Republic of Armenia and the NKR citizens.” The NA Vice President stressed.

The editor-in-chief of the journal of the EU Foreign Relations, former member of the European Parliament and Bundestag Hans-Jűrgen Zahorka ensured those present that as a result of their visit, many European politicians and media would be informed about the reality that today exists in the Nagorno Karabakh building its independence.

The parties also touched upon other issues.