ARMENIAN AND FRENCH PARLIAMENTARIANS DISCUSS COOPERATION PROGRAMS

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian parliamentary delegation, being in Paris, headed by Speaker Artur Baghdasarian met with President of the French National Assembly Jean Louis Debre January 14. As reported by the press service of the National Assembly of Armenia, promotion of interstate and interparliamentary ties was discussed. The parties made an arrangement over signing of an agreement on cooperation. In the course of the meeting the parties noted the importance of Armenia's integration in European structures. It was noted that Armenia has fulfilled its commitments to the Council of Europe for the most part - death penalty is repealed, alternative military service is introduced, a law on media is passed, the European Social Charter is ratified, etc. In 2004 constitutional and electoral reforms will be promoted. At the instance of the French Speaker, A. Baghdasarian presented regional problems. He noted that Armenia comes for cooperation of the South Caucasian countries and development of normal relations with neighbors. The Armenian delegation also met with members of the France-Armenia friendship deputy group and its leader Francois Rochebloine. The parties noted that the list of sister cities already includes 20 French and Armenian cities. Within the framework of the program a number of projects are expected to be realized in Armenia. Specifically, a hotel in Goris and a hospital in Gyumri are planned to be built.