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On May 17, the Chairman of the RA NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Artak Zakaryan and the member of the same Committee Shirak Torosyanmet with the Member of the Bundestag of Germany Ulla Jelpke, the Member of Hamburg Parliament Martin Dolzer and the Representative of Altona Community Hasan Burgucuoglu.

Welcoming the guests Artak Zakaryan highly assessed the relations between the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the Bundestag of the Federal Republic of Germany. He noted that the Armenian-German relations had been developed rather active and in the spirit of mutual understanding and friendship until now.

Touching upon the inter-parliamentary cooperation the Chairman of the RA NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations has stated that the relations between the parliaments of the two states have dynamic development, and its efficiency is ensured by frequent mutual visits.

Talking about the current situation of Nagorno Karabakh conflict Artak Zakaryan has noted that the fact that during several years a balanced position related to the issue by the Federal Republic of Germany is appraisable. The fact that Germany always expressed its support directed to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ efforts to the peaceful settlement of the problem was also underlined.

Artak Zakaryan has noted that additional efforts are necessary for preservation and strengthening of ceasefire regime, and the German Chairmanship in the OSCE has works to do in that aspect. Azerbaijan should get targeted assessments as author of deconstructive and aggressive actions.

The implementation of the events of strengthening of trust in the conflict zone, as well as the resuming of monitoring in the line of contact by the Representative of OSCE Chairman-in-Office was strongly emphasized in connection of the issue.

The NA deputy Shirak Torosyan has highly assessed the efforts of Germany as OSCE Chairing country and has stated that he strongly emphasizes the attitude of the international community in honouring the right of Artsakh people. Shirak Torosyan presented to his German colleagues the details of the meeting of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the agreements reached.

Referring to Armenia-European Union relations Artak Zakaryan attached importance to the role of the Federal Republic of Germany in the development of the dialogue.

The Chairman of the RA NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations has also talked about the activation of the economic relations between the two states, noting that Germany is Armenia’s second trade partner, and in the series of the EU countries the first one, which is already an important index for giving new impetus to the economic relations between the two states.

Touching upon the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide international recognition Artak Zakaryan emphasized the role of Germany in preventing of genocides, crimes against mankind. The speech of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Joachim Gauck within the framework of the Armenian Genocide Centennial in the Berlin Cathedral Church connected with the use of “Genocide” term. Regarding this issue Artak Zakaryan expressed hope that the discussion of the Resolution on the Armenian Genocide in the Bundestag on June 2 will have its positive result and consequences. It has also been noted that the recognition and condemnation are important factors for the prevention of the genocidal crimes.

Artak Zakaryan also expressed his satisfaction with the upcoming visit of the delegation to Artsakh and their meeting with the Artsakh authorities and the representatives of the civil society. He has stated that the visit to Artsakh will give opportunity to see on the spot and get convinced that Artsakh is already a democratic established state.

“The Parliament of the Republic of Armenia and the parliamentary delegations are ready with the Bundestag of the Federal Republic of Germany for active support in all problems of constructive cooperation of mutual importance,” Artak Zakaryan noted in his word.

The Member of the Bundestag of Germany Ulla Jelpke has stated that her party seeks to reach not only the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, but also the indication of the participation of Germany in that event, the Resolution to be adopted and the issue of responsibility. She has also noted that they support the solution of Nagorno Karabakh exclusively through peaceful means.