Observer: Armenia can be proud to be a democratic countryMay 7, 2012 - 12:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Despite its complicated geopolitical situation, Armenia can be proud to be a democratic country, PACE former vice-president, Czech MP and international observer Anna Čurdova said in Yerevan. Comparing this vote with previous parliamentary elections in 2003-2007, she marked significant progress in Armenia’s electoral process. “Armenia managed to reach progress on its democratization path with regard to establishment of political culture and voter education,” member of the international ICES observation mission told a press conference on May 7. According to Čurdova, electoral process in Armenia went “in a very good atmosphere” and within the set standards, in line with EU democratic principles. The observer mentioned that all parties were granted equal access to e-media. She also highlighted the importance of observers’ presence at all polling stations, who represented both the political parties and NGOs; in addition, citizen turnout was quite high. However, observers recorded some technical inaccuracies, which can in no way affect the final outcome of the elections. Čurdova thanked all representatives of electoral commissions for their work. “Nobody can claim elections in Armenia were forged,” she added. International Center of Election Systems (ICES) observing mission includes 20 independent experts from 8 EU states, U.S. and Israel. Headquarters of ICES mission is in Yerevan’s Congress Hotel. ICES president, Knesset member Alexander Tsinker heads the observation mission. Top stories President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Michael Roth believes sanctions must be put on the table after Baku‘s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |