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RA NA PRESIDENT DELIVERS A SPEECH AT THE CONSTITUENT MEETING OF THE
EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY
AZG DAILY #80, 05-05-2011
On May 3 the constituent meeting of the EURONEST Parliamentary
Assembly began with the participation of the heads and national
delegations of the Eastern partner countries. RA NA delegation in the
EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly led by Hovik Abrahamyan took part at
the Meeting. The delegation comprised of Vahan Hovhannisyan (Head of
RA NA delegation in EURONEST PA), Alexander Sargsyan, Artak Zakaryan,
Khchik Harutyunyan, Lilit Galstyan, Armen Melikyan, Styopa Safaryan,
Vardan Bostanjyan, Hovhannes Sahakyan, Vahe Enfiajyan.
The President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek gave a welcoming
speech, after which the heads of the EURONEST parliaments delivered
speeches.
RA NA President Hovik Abrahamyan was the first to give a speech.
Addressing those present RA NA President said:
"On behalf of the Armenian National Assembly may I congratulate us all
on this significant event, as well as say thank you to Dr. Jerzy Buzek
for his kind invitation to be present here.
I would also like to thank the heads of all national delegations and
political groups represented in the EURONEST for their consistent work
due to which this particular initiative became a reality.
As far back as in 2004 when the European Neighborhood Policy was
launched the long-term goal of the European Union was to provide
assistance to the Eastern partner countries and through accomplishment
of similar programs to facilitate their transition phase towards real
democracy.
Within this context the originality of EURONEST is evident. The
Eastern partners do not simply become members of the already existing
European structures, but are the founders of a similar European
institution.
During the whole period of its activity the European Parliament has
proved its commitment to the universal values encouraging nations to
unite around the idea of freedom, solidarity, justice and stability,
against the temptation of creating obstacles and dividing lines, which
is so easier on the political arena.
The Republic of Armenia has constantly proved its commitment to these
universal values and has been an advocate of cooperation, supporting
the development of normal relations with its neighbors and deepening
the regional cooperation.
The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly should become the venue that
should help give a parliamentary assessment of the Eastern
Partnership, express our commitment to the principles of international
law and fundamental values and achieve mutual understanding and
full-fledged regional cooperation. In this context with its diversity
Europe serves as a role model for achieving solidarity.
Armenia also attaches great importance to the intercultural dialogue
in the region through the establishment of the climate of trust and
cooperation between diverse religious and ethnic communities. This, in
its turn, will promote democratic development, prosperity and create
necessary prerequisites for peace, stability and security. The same
principles are also reflected in the Prague Declaration.
It is common knowledge that the implementation of reforms is
impossible if trust, confidence in them and political will are
lacking. In our view the parliamentary dimension of the Eastern
partnership is the institute through which we could assist the
implementation of the EU Eastern Partnership Policy, note progress and
predict challenges. It will also become a specific forum for the
exchange of information and best practices, facilitate understanding
and elaboration of common positions between the European Parliament
and the parliaments of partner states.
This inter-parliamentary assembly is the parliamentary dimension of
the Eastern Partnership Policy, which should create conditions needed
for advancing the political association and economic integration
between the European Union and the eastern partner states. It can
become a strong tool for the enhancement and development of
partnership.
In case of Armenia, our Christian values, historical, linguistic and
cultural factors ensure our presence in the EU institution, once again
reaffirming Armenia being an inseparable part of the great European
family. Full integration of almost one million of European Union
citizens of Armenian origin in the political, economic and cultural
spheres of Europe is the best proof thereof. With this in view, we
focus on the process aimed at visa facilitation for the Armenian
citizens traveling to the European Union.
I wish to particularly stress that less than a year has passed since
the launch of the negotiations on the Association Agreement with the
European Union. At the moment we have already concluded sixteen
chapters of the negotiated document. I am aware that some of our
partners have achieved more. Let us seize this unique opportunity to
accelerate this process and not try to make the EURONEST a place for
senseless disputes. I sincerely hope that all our partners share the
same approach. It is also my strong belief that it is among the tasks
of the EURONEST to engage Belarus in the process and try to encourage
further reforms in the country to enable the Byelorussian delegation
to fill the vacant seats in the near future.
Over the past period the Armenian National Assembly has reaffirmed its
commitment to the EURONEST process being the first to shape a national
delegation and actively engage in the preparations.
In the current era of globalization the role of diversity is of
paramount importance and the issues of human rights and fundamental
freedoms should be high on our political agenda. I would like to
inform you that the Armenian National Assembly is about to finalize
the hearings on the new Electoral Code by bringing it in compliance
with the recommendations of the Venice Commission of the Council of
Europe. The new law on "Freedom of Speech and Assembly" has already
entered into force in our Republic.
The involvement of the three South Caucasus countries in the EURONEST
might be extremely useful in making our region more predictable. The
Republic of Armenia shares this view of the European Union. EURONEST
could also provide a new impetus to the current relations between us
given the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and become an
additional incentive for the enhancement of ties between our
parliaments and the societies at large.
Before concluding my speech I would like to underscore that I regard
EURONEST not as simply an institution, but a bridge to future
cooperation, that Armenia is resolute to pass."
After the speeches of the heads of the parliaments the constituent act
of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly was signed and the statute was
adopted. We'll note that the head of the RA NA delegation in EURONEST
PA Vahan Hovhannisyan was elected Deputy Co-chair of EURONEST PA.
From: A. Papazian
EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY
AZG DAILY #80, 05-05-2011
On May 3 the constituent meeting of the EURONEST Parliamentary
Assembly began with the participation of the heads and national
delegations of the Eastern partner countries. RA NA delegation in the
EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly led by Hovik Abrahamyan took part at
the Meeting. The delegation comprised of Vahan Hovhannisyan (Head of
RA NA delegation in EURONEST PA), Alexander Sargsyan, Artak Zakaryan,
Khchik Harutyunyan, Lilit Galstyan, Armen Melikyan, Styopa Safaryan,
Vardan Bostanjyan, Hovhannes Sahakyan, Vahe Enfiajyan.
The President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek gave a welcoming
speech, after which the heads of the EURONEST parliaments delivered
speeches.
RA NA President Hovik Abrahamyan was the first to give a speech.
Addressing those present RA NA President said:
"On behalf of the Armenian National Assembly may I congratulate us all
on this significant event, as well as say thank you to Dr. Jerzy Buzek
for his kind invitation to be present here.
I would also like to thank the heads of all national delegations and
political groups represented in the EURONEST for their consistent work
due to which this particular initiative became a reality.
As far back as in 2004 when the European Neighborhood Policy was
launched the long-term goal of the European Union was to provide
assistance to the Eastern partner countries and through accomplishment
of similar programs to facilitate their transition phase towards real
democracy.
Within this context the originality of EURONEST is evident. The
Eastern partners do not simply become members of the already existing
European structures, but are the founders of a similar European
institution.
During the whole period of its activity the European Parliament has
proved its commitment to the universal values encouraging nations to
unite around the idea of freedom, solidarity, justice and stability,
against the temptation of creating obstacles and dividing lines, which
is so easier on the political arena.
The Republic of Armenia has constantly proved its commitment to these
universal values and has been an advocate of cooperation, supporting
the development of normal relations with its neighbors and deepening
the regional cooperation.
The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly should become the venue that
should help give a parliamentary assessment of the Eastern
Partnership, express our commitment to the principles of international
law and fundamental values and achieve mutual understanding and
full-fledged regional cooperation. In this context with its diversity
Europe serves as a role model for achieving solidarity.
Armenia also attaches great importance to the intercultural dialogue
in the region through the establishment of the climate of trust and
cooperation between diverse religious and ethnic communities. This, in
its turn, will promote democratic development, prosperity and create
necessary prerequisites for peace, stability and security. The same
principles are also reflected in the Prague Declaration.
It is common knowledge that the implementation of reforms is
impossible if trust, confidence in them and political will are
lacking. In our view the parliamentary dimension of the Eastern
partnership is the institute through which we could assist the
implementation of the EU Eastern Partnership Policy, note progress and
predict challenges. It will also become a specific forum for the
exchange of information and best practices, facilitate understanding
and elaboration of common positions between the European Parliament
and the parliaments of partner states.
This inter-parliamentary assembly is the parliamentary dimension of
the Eastern Partnership Policy, which should create conditions needed
for advancing the political association and economic integration
between the European Union and the eastern partner states. It can
become a strong tool for the enhancement and development of
partnership.
In case of Armenia, our Christian values, historical, linguistic and
cultural factors ensure our presence in the EU institution, once again
reaffirming Armenia being an inseparable part of the great European
family. Full integration of almost one million of European Union
citizens of Armenian origin in the political, economic and cultural
spheres of Europe is the best proof thereof. With this in view, we
focus on the process aimed at visa facilitation for the Armenian
citizens traveling to the European Union.
I wish to particularly stress that less than a year has passed since
the launch of the negotiations on the Association Agreement with the
European Union. At the moment we have already concluded sixteen
chapters of the negotiated document. I am aware that some of our
partners have achieved more. Let us seize this unique opportunity to
accelerate this process and not try to make the EURONEST a place for
senseless disputes. I sincerely hope that all our partners share the
same approach. It is also my strong belief that it is among the tasks
of the EURONEST to engage Belarus in the process and try to encourage
further reforms in the country to enable the Byelorussian delegation
to fill the vacant seats in the near future.
Over the past period the Armenian National Assembly has reaffirmed its
commitment to the EURONEST process being the first to shape a national
delegation and actively engage in the preparations.
In the current era of globalization the role of diversity is of
paramount importance and the issues of human rights and fundamental
freedoms should be high on our political agenda. I would like to
inform you that the Armenian National Assembly is about to finalize
the hearings on the new Electoral Code by bringing it in compliance
with the recommendations of the Venice Commission of the Council of
Europe. The new law on "Freedom of Speech and Assembly" has already
entered into force in our Republic.
The involvement of the three South Caucasus countries in the EURONEST
might be extremely useful in making our region more predictable. The
Republic of Armenia shares this view of the European Union. EURONEST
could also provide a new impetus to the current relations between us
given the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and become an
additional incentive for the enhancement of ties between our
parliaments and the societies at large.
Before concluding my speech I would like to underscore that I regard
EURONEST not as simply an institution, but a bridge to future
cooperation, that Armenia is resolute to pass."
After the speeches of the heads of the parliaments the constituent act
of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly was signed and the statute was
adopted. We'll note that the head of the RA NA delegation in EURONEST
PA Vahan Hovhannisyan was elected Deputy Co-chair of EURONEST PA.
From: A. Papazian