PACE President René van der Linden is arriving in Armenia today. "This is an important region for the Council of Europe, and my main aim in returning here is to see how we can do more to solve the frozen conflicts in the countries concerned. Only this will enable the peaceful development of the region in the interest of all its peoples," he said on the eve of his visit to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. As well as the role of parliamentary diplomacy in solving conflicts, Mr René van der Linden intends to raise the rights of the opposition, freedom of expression, the role of civil society, intercultural and inter-religious dialogue, relations with neighboring countries, and the building of one Europe without dividing lines, CoE communication unit reports.

He will be in Armenia on 4-5 July, Georgia on 5-7 July and Azerbaijan on 8-10 July. In South Caucasian countries he is due to meet the Presidents and leading members of the parliament and government in all three countries, as well as, among others, the leaders of different political forces, representatives of civil society and the media, and religious leaders.