On June 17 the RA NA Speaker Galust Sahakyan received the co-rapporteurs Axel Fischer and Alan Meale from the PACE Monitoring Committee on Armenia .

Welcoming the guests the NA Speaker thanked the co-rapporteurs for the cooperation with Armenia and for the work done in strengthening democracy in our country. In his word, radical reforms have been carried out in Armenia , and its results are visible and irreversible. Galust Sahakyan noted that the priorities of Armenia ’s presidency in the CoE Committee of Ministers were fully harmonious with the agenda issues of the CoE member countries and the CoE, and it was an additional opportunity for our country in the organization to have active contribution to the agenda items and the processes. To his assessment, Armenia ’s presidency was successful, balanced, on the principle of dialogue with all member countries, which, unfortunately, cannot be said about the current presiding country.

Thanking for the reception, Alan Meale conveyed the congratulation of the British Parliament Speaker to Galust Sahakyan on the occasion of being elected the NA Speaker. He highlighted the continuity of the democratic reforms in Armenia and expressed confidence that as a result of the joint work of united efforts success would be registered. Axel Fischer focused on the deepening of Armenia-CoE cooperation and noted that they were ready to assist and support Armenia in the process of deepening the democratic reforms. The co-rapporteurs highly appreciated the activity of the Armenian delegation in PACE.

Touching upon the reforms of the electoral system, the NA Speaker noted that the recommendations of the PACE and other international counterparts had been carefully studied and would be put into action in the works of the improvement of the electoral processes. Referring to the process of the constitutional reforms Galust Sahakyan noted that a specialized committee of constitutional reforms adjunct to the RA President had been created and the process had been undertaken by the RA President, stemming from the necessity of the realization of the principle of the rule of law, improving the constitutional systems of guaranteeing the fundamental human rights and freedoms, ensuring the authorities’ full balance and the rise of the efficiency of public administration. In his word, the recommendations of the constitutional reforms are elaborated with close cooperation of the Venice Commission by active public discussion.

In connection with the settlement of the NK conflict Galust Sahakyan has stressed that Armenia is resolute to continue the commitment of the solution of the problem through peaceful means. “But only our willingness is not enough, that of Azerbaijan ’s is also necessary. The bellicose announcements voiced by Azerbaijan continue causing anxiety, promoting hatred, military expenditures inadequate growth, armament accumulation, as well as the failure of the programs aimed at the restoration of mutual confidence, within the framework of the CoE as well,” the NA Speaker said. He emphasized the role of the Council of Europe in the formation of atmosphere of mutual trust at different levels and in reducing tension and proposed to initiate direct contacts with Artsakh and the people of Artsakh. Reminding that the year 2015 marks the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the NA Speaker expressed hope that the PACE would refer to this historical tragedy and once again would give its worth evaluation.

In the course of the meeting the interlocutors discussed issues relating to the fight against corruption, alternative service in the RA, Armenia-Turkey relations, and other issues of regional and bilateral interest.