Council of Europe hopes for fair presidential elections in Armenia
"The Council of Europe will keep on cooperating with Armenia for its further integration into European structures," Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis said at a meeting with students of Yerevan State University.
"New opportunities are provided for greater democratization of the Armenian society," he said.
"Armenia has worked a long way during recent 6 years but it's not enough to completely meet European standards. The adoption of reviewed Constitution was a step forward. Election of Mayor of Yerevan via a popular vote and expansion of local self-government authority are the main achievements here," he said.
"However, there are minuses as well. The leadership and opposition fail to establish a culture of dialogue. You should strengthen struggle against corruption and fix a provision on alternative military service in the legislation," Mr Davis said.
When touching upon the 2008 presidential elections, he voiced hope that the elections will be free and fair.
"New opportunities are provided for greater democratization of the Armenian society," he said.
"Armenia has worked a long way during recent 6 years but it's not enough to completely meet European standards. The adoption of reviewed Constitution was a step forward. Election of Mayor of Yerevan via a popular vote and expansion of local self-government authority are the main achievements here," he said.
"However, there are minuses as well. The leadership and opposition fail to establish a culture of dialogue. You should strengthen struggle against corruption and fix a provision on alternative military service in the legislation," Mr Davis said.
When touching upon the 2008 presidential elections, he voiced hope that the elections will be free and fair.
