July 24, 2008 - 15:37 AMT
Lluis Maria de Puig: both leadership and opposition responsible for Armenia's future
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met Thursday with PACE President Lluis Maria de Puig to discuss the process of implementation of PACE resolutions 1609 and 1620, the RA leader's press office told PanARMENIAN.Net.

"Fulfillment of these resolutions is our conviction, free of any pressure from outside. Armenia has no other way of development but democracy," President Sargsyan said.

For his part, Mr de Puig said the purpose of his visit to Armenia is to encourage the republic in its democratic undertakings. "I have noticed some progress," he said.

Touching on the March 1 events, the PACE President welcomed the proposal of CoE Commissioner for Human Rights, Mt Thomas Hammerberg, to form a fact-finding group.

Asked about those arrested, President Sargsyan said that no one will be punished without his guilt proved.

"Both the leadership and opposition are responsible for Armenia's future. The Council of Europe respects the choice of the Armenian people and calls on the opposition to acknowledge the results of the presidential election," Mr de Puig said in completion of the meeting.