Armenia Has Preconditions for Becoming Regional Democracy Leader

PanARMENIAN.Net - September 6 Armenian National Assembly Speaker Tigran Torosyan met with US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans due to the completion of the diplomatic service of the latter, reports the Armenian NA Press Service. He thanked the Ambassador for productive work, which resulted in programs that promoted making Armenian legislation comply with international criteria, specifically the cooperation with the USAID.



In his turn J. Evans was also content with the development of bilateral relations. He emphasized the experience and knowledge of the Armenian Speaker, which ensures success. The American diplomat specially stressed the draft Electoral Code, being in circulation. The adoption of the Code, in his opinion, will promote holdign democratic parliamentary elections in 2007. The Ambassador noted Armenia has all preconditions for becoming a democracy leader in the region. Within the 15 years of the Third Republic of Armenia, many good things are done, good laws are passed. The Ambassador noted the importance of fighting corruption in order to strengthen democracy.



Speaking about the elections Tigran Torosyan noted that it is not only an importance phase on the way to progress of democracy. In May 2007 the elections should symbolize the further direction of Armenia's development, thus they are of exceptions importance to the country. Adoption of amendments to the Electoral Code based on proposals of OSCE, Venetian Commission experts is an important step on that way. The Parliament Chair underscored the importance of favorable atmosphere between political forces and the forming of a multi-party system in the country, when authorities and opposition parties realize that they are parts of a united system, but not confronting powers.



The Nagorno Karabakh issue was also touched upon during the meeting. T. Torosyan underscored the fact that the OSCE MG co-chairs have chosen a resolution, taking into account the principle of people's self-determination as well. Evans also underscored the importance of the third principle of the Helsinki Agreement - non-use of force to settle the conflict. The parties underscored the importance of continuing talks. It was noted that the international community should keep focused on the growth of military expenditure of Azerbaijan: peaceful settlement of the NK conflict is among commitments assumed by Azerbaijan as a PACE member. The OSCE resolution demands refraining from military threats and propaganda of hatred. Other matters of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.