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On October 21 the RPA faction member Rafik Grigoryan, PAP faction member Naira Zohrabyan and Country of Law faction secretary Artsruni Aghajanyan met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland in the National Assembly.

Naira Zohrabyan presented the steps taken by RA authorities in relation to the existing concerns in PACE last resolutions at Mr Jagland’s request, noting the spheres, where reforms were made. CoE Secretary General opined that the path of the reforms chosen by Armenia was true, but the rates of some reforms were not sufficient. Agreeing with Mr Jagland’s observation, Mrs Zohrabyan noted the spheres, where deep reforms were initiated. Mrs Zohrabyan mentioned that Armenia’s future was to build a firm and democratic state, as well as our country expressed hope that by the support of the Council of Europe it would make all the reforms, which were recorded in PACE last reports.

CoE Secretary General was interested in two problems: the problems of the detained persons and freedom of press. The representative of the PAP faction provided comprehensive information on those problems, especially touching upon A1+ problem. The sides expressed hope that really those who deserved would win in the competition being held in December.

CoE Secretary General was interested in the ratification process of the Armenian-Turkish protocols. Mrs Zohrabyan noted that at the moment when there would be a political power in Turkey ready to continue the ratification process of the Armenian-Turkish protocols without any preconditions, then Armenia would be ready to continue the ratification process of the suspended protocols in RA NA.

The secretary of the Country of Law faction Artsruni Aghajanyan noted that Armenia was a CoE fully integrated state and RA authorities’ aspirations of developing the democracy in our country were noticeable.

In the course of the meeting the sides touched upon other issues.

On the same day NA ARF faction member Armen Rustamyan and the head of NA Heritage faction Styopa Safaryan also met wirh the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland.

During the meeting at the guest’s request the Armneian parliamentarians touched upon Armenia’s political developments. Armen Rustamyan presented his opinion on the procedure of the implementation of PACE 1609, 1620, 1643 and 1677 resolutions. Mr Rustamyan highlighted the reforms of the Electoral Code, which to his conviction, would raise the confidence among the people towards the electoral processes, and would free the society from the post-electoral crises. The ARF representative said they had presented a package of proposals on the reforms of the Electoral Code.

The head of NA Heritage faction Styopa Safaryan in his word touched upon the problems of the detained persons, revelation of those responsible for the March 1 events and the continuation of the investigation and the reforms of the Electoral Code.

At the meeting the sides also touched upon other issues of bilateral interest.