Council of Europe chief congratulates Armenian PM

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland has sent a congratulatory message to Nikol Pashinyan on his appointment as Prime Minister of Armenia, Pashinyan's office said Wednesday, January 16.

"The political transition, which started last year with the formation of a new parliament, came to completion under peaceful conditions and in accordance with constitutional norms. The conduct and the results of the elections of December 9 demonstrated the Armenian people’s aspiration for democracy and prosperity," Jagland said.

"The Council of Europe will work with the new government to achieve these goals. I am confident that the sustained commitment to democratic institutions and the rule of law that your country has demonstrated in recent years will continue to promote the prosperity of the citizens of Armenia."

President Armen Sarkissian on Monday appointed Pashinyan in the post of the Armenian PM.

Pashinyan first came to power after leading a nationwide campaign to oust the former authorities.

Following months of peaceful protests, then PM and former President Serzh Sargsyan resigned, while the parliament elected Pashinyan as the country's new Prime Minister.

The National Assembly was then dissolved and new members of parliament were elected on December 9.