Armenia is ready for democratization
by Roni Alasor
Brussels, 5 December 2017 - Middle East Diplomatic (MED)-Speaking to representatives of EU institutions, diplomatic missions, NGOs, experts and journalists in a briefing-meeting in Brussels organized by European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA), Armen Ashotyan, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the National Assembly of Armenia, reiterated Yerevan’s readiness to launch all necessary democratic reforms.
Following the Eastern Partnership Summit and the signature of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on 24 November 2017 between the EU and Armenia, now Yerevan is more motivated for democratization. Among the expected reforms is the change of the constitution, the transition from presidential to parliamentary republic, the reinforcement of democratic and independent institutions, the fight against corruption etc.
Mr. Ashotyan underlined that these reforms are not only inspired by the recent intensified cooperation with EU, but they represent fundamental rights, which Armenian people deserve and should achieve in the near future.
EU’s technical, bureaucratic and juridical support would be crucial for the success of these reforms, added the Armenian parliamentarian, and called on EU countries for quick ratification of CEPA, before the start of the European elections national campaigns in 2019. However first the Armenian National Assembly should ratify the CEPA.
Mr. Ashotyan also said that Armenia’s geographical, historical and cultural situation should be taken into account by all its partners. Armenia has a strategic, political and military relation with Russia, which is important in the regional context for the Armenian existence. Yerevan is member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) alongside with Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia and should respect its engagement in this context as well.
Armen Ashotyan is Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, and Head of the Armenian delegations to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Eastern Partnership (Euronest).
Copyright: Middle East Diplomatic