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On May 31, the representatives of the RA NA Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia Factions met with the delegation led by the CoE Director General of Human Rights and Rule of Law Christos Giakoumopoulos. The Head of the Council of Europe Office in Yerevan Natalia Voutova also attended the meeting.

The Head of the delegation informed that they informed that they observed with attention the inner-political events held in Armenia. The representatives of the Council of Europe work in Armenia for many years and are familiar with the problems facing the judicial system of the country. According to him, today the delegation is in Armenia to get acquainted with the situation, listen to the viewpoints of the political forces and understand how the CoE can be useful for the process of the judicial reforms.

According to the Head of the RA NA Bright Armenia faction Edmon Marukyan, they have always been for the reforms of the judicial system, but the party has condemned the appeal of the Head of the executive body to close the entrances of the courts. To his opinion, the vetting towards the judges should be held rather cautious and in the framework of public solidarity.

The Chair of the RA NA Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs, the deputy of the RA NA Prosperous Armenia Faction Naira Zohrabyan noted that they also strictly condemned the blockade of the courts’ entrances. He has noted that the Prosperous Armenia Party finds that the judicial power system needs the most serious reforms in Armenia, and it is desirable that the structure keeps in the centre of attention the whole process of the moment. To Naira Zohrabyan’s opinion, it should be transparent and all political forces included in parliament will be involved in it.

Christos Giakoumopoulos expressed his gratitude to the members of the factions for fruitful discussion. According to him, the reforms should be implemented in accordance with the Constitution and laws, and the CoE is ready to show commitment and support that process.