State that Chooses Military Settlement of Conflict Has No Right to Remain CoE Member

PanARMENIAN.Net - Five years is a term sufficient enough for the assessment of the way Armenia has passed towards the European integration, Mr. Jean-Louis Laurens, the Director General of Political Affairs of the Council of Europe stated at a press conference in Yerevan. In his words, there are positive outcomes these being the consolidation of the state system, development of civic society and Armenia's engagement into the European Neighborhood Policy.



"The South Caucasus is a part of Europe and we are interested in strengthening of democracy and promotion of reforms. Armenia has fixed certain progress in the direction. The next step should be come the bringing of the state legislation in correspondence with the reviewed Constitution. First of all the Penal Code and the juridical system should be reformed," he remarked.



"The most important events both for Armenia and the CoE are the forthcoming elections in 2007 and 2008. It's very important that the parliamentary and presidential election corresponded to international standards. I cannot say what will be next years but I hope the elections will be fair," the CoE Director General of Political Affairs said.



He also remarked that the conference dedicated to the 5th anniversary of Armenia's CoE membership is held at the time when Brussels launched the final stage of negotiations on the Armenia-EU Individual Action Plan within the European Neighborhood Policy. The way towards the European Union is the same as that towards the Council of Europe, since the tasks and objectives are the same. Armenia like the other states should fulfill all the commitments undertaken. This refers to the conflict settlement as well. A CoE member state that chooses military settlement of any conflict has no right to remain CoE member. This rule refers to all. The Council of Europe is a roof under which the states are obliged to live in peace and friendship," Lourens underscored.