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Austria is of key importance for the Republic of Armenia conditioned by a number of circumstances: First of all, at high level of democracy, and you know that it has already been several years our country takes firm steps forward in that way. On June 17, welcoming the Chair of the Committee on Human Rights of the National Council of Austria Nikolaus Scherak, the Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs Rustam Bakoyan said.

Noting that in recent years Armenia is facing difficult challenges, the Deputy Chair of the Committee highly appreciated the support shown by Austria to our country. Rustam Bakoyan thanked Nikolaus Scherak for the resolution on the Involvement of Austria in the Nagorno Karabakh Region and Improving the Living Conditions of the Refugee Civilian Population, especially the women and the Children unanimously adopted by the Parliament of Austria. He highlighted the establishment of the resident diplomatic representation of Austria in Armenia, considering it as an important factor in strengthening the relations.

The Deputy Chair of the Committee presented information on violated rights of hundreds of thousands of Armenians displaced from Nagorno Karabakh because of ethnic cleansing implemented by Azerbaijan. Touching upon the support programme being carried out by the Government for those forcibly displaced from Nagorno Karabakh, Rustam Bakoyan mentioned that by the efforts of the Government of Armenia during short period all possible measures were undertaken to provide with minimum conditions to our compatriots. He emphasized also the support of the international community in this issue. Reference was also made to the issue of immediate release of Armenian prisoners of war and captives in Azerbaijan.

Thanking the Deputy Chair of the Committee for warm reception, the Chair of the Committee on Human Rights of the National Council of Austria highlighted those similar meetings and cooperation.

Regarding the problem of the forcibly displaced people from Nagorno Karabakh, Nikolaus Scherak noticed that the efforts made by the Government of Armenia are noticeable and expressed readiness for support.

Noting that the active cooperation with like-minded colleagues is the imperative of the day, Rustam Bakoyan presented to Nikolaus Scherak the Crossroads of Peace project, underlining that it will promote the establishment of peace and stability in the region.

Referring to the negotiations of the ongoing dialogue on Armenia-EU visa liberalisation in recent period, the Deputy Chair of the Committee expressed hope that in this issue Austria will show its support.

In the establishment of peace both sides emphasized the role of the RA Observation Mission in the Republic of Armenia.