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EUROPEAN COMMISSION: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA STILL DO NOT MEET INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
arminfo
Thursday, May 17, 14:00
The European Commission has publsihed a joint staff working document
"Implementaton of the European Neighborhood Policy in Armenia Progress
in 2011 and recommendations for action".
On the basis of the report and with a view to sustained implementation
of the ENP Action Plan in 2012, Armenia is invited to ensure that
the presidential elections scheduled for 2013 are in line with
international standards by addressing the shortcomings identified
by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)
of OSCE concerning the May 2012 parliamentary elections.
The document welcomes that in May, the National Assembly amended
the electoral code to ensure greater independence of the electoral
commissions. It praises Armenia's achievements in democracy and
human rights, however corruption remains a serious problem. The main
concerns on freedom of expression and media relate to the lack of media
independence, the limitations on TV broadcasting and the continuation
of lawsuits for insult and defamation.
Despite an effort to reform the judiciary, public trust continues
to be low. Judges remain strongly influenced by prosecutors and the
executive, thus limiting the right to fair trial. Within the Eastern
Partnership, the negotiations for an EU-Armenia Association Agreement
(AA) progressed at a good pace, the document reads.
arminfo
Thursday, May 17, 14:00
The European Commission has publsihed a joint staff working document
"Implementaton of the European Neighborhood Policy in Armenia Progress
in 2011 and recommendations for action".
On the basis of the report and with a view to sustained implementation
of the ENP Action Plan in 2012, Armenia is invited to ensure that
the presidential elections scheduled for 2013 are in line with
international standards by addressing the shortcomings identified
by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR)
of OSCE concerning the May 2012 parliamentary elections.
The document welcomes that in May, the National Assembly amended
the electoral code to ensure greater independence of the electoral
commissions. It praises Armenia's achievements in democracy and
human rights, however corruption remains a serious problem. The main
concerns on freedom of expression and media relate to the lack of media
independence, the limitations on TV broadcasting and the continuation
of lawsuits for insult and defamation.
Despite an effort to reform the judiciary, public trust continues
to be low. Judges remain strongly influenced by prosecutors and the
executive, thus limiting the right to fair trial. Within the Eastern
Partnership, the negotiations for an EU-Armenia Association Agreement
(AA) progressed at a good pace, the document reads.