EU officials note progress in Armenian parliamentary electionsMay 8, 2012 - 18:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, jointly with Štefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, issued the following statement on the May 6 parliamentary elections in Armenia: “The European Union takes note of the preliminary results of the parliamentary elections held on May 6 and welcomes the statement of preliminary findings and conclusions of the International Election Observation Mission on the conduct of elections. We welcome the efforts by the Armenian authorities to hold these parliamentary elections in a way which represents progress towards more transparent and competitive elections. However, the elections also demonstrated the need to address a number of issues in order to fully meet internationally recognized democratic standards. We encourage the Armenian authorities to address the shortcomings identified by OSCE/ODIHR as a matter of priority, ahead of the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for 2013. At the same time we welcome that six political parties will be represented in the National Assembly. This is a positive step towards the development of a pluralistic and democratic political culture in Armenia. The EU urges all political forces to refrain from unlawful acts and pursue political dialogue. The constructive dialogue between authorities and the opposition is very important for the consolidation of stability in the country.” Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. 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. Mkhitaryan raises arrest of former Karabakh leaders in Azerbaijan Inter Milan star Henrikh Mkhitaryan has shared a news story about the extension of the arrest of former Karabakh leaders. Ucom Celebrates Telecommunication Day May 17 commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union on May 17, 1865. |