Diogo Freitas do Amaral, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal and Chairman of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, made the following statement:

"After several months of intense debate, Armenia's National Assembly has just adopted a number of constitutional amendments, in line with the country's commitment undertaken when joining the Council of Europe.  The referendum to be held on 27 November on this reform will be vital for Armenia.  By turning out to vote during the referendum, the people of Armenia will indeed be deciding on changes of fundamental importance for their future.  The expertise of the constitutional amendments by the Council of Europe's Venice Commission has shown that the reform will allow the alignment of the Constitution with European standards by enhancing the independence of the judiciary, providing a more balanced distribution of power between the executive and the legislative branches, as well as promoting local democracy and freedom of the media.

I appeal to the sense of responsibility and concern for the common good of Armenia's political parties, beyond their differences, in order to support this reform, which is essential to the country's future as a democracy.  By participating in the referendum and showing their attachment to the values of freedom and democracy, the people of Armenia will show their desire to see Armenia fully assume its part in the European construction."