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Europeans Ask Armenian FM About Gas Price Hike

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  • Europeans Ask Armenian FM About Gas Price Hike

    EUROPEANS ASK ARMENIAN FM ABOUT GAS PRICE HIKE

    http://www.a1plus.am/en/politics/2013/05/31/pace
    11:55 AM | TODAY | POLITICS

    The recurrent sitting of the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary
    Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has kicked off in Yerevan.

    Participating in the sitting are Hovik Abrahamyan, Speaker of the
    Armenian National Assembly, Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign
    Affairs, PACE President Jean-Claude Mignon and members of the Armenian
    delegation to the PACE.

    Armenia's European orientation and the process of European integration
    are the result of a conscious choice based on our common values as
    well as rich cultural and Christian legacy," Hovik Abrahamyan said
    in his opening remarks.

    He stressed that Armenia comprises a part of the European civilization
    with its past and present.

    "With this in mind, Armenia joined the Council of Europe in 2001,"
    he said.

    earlier this month, at the 123rd session of the Council of Europe's
    Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg, France, Armenia assumed its
    first-ever six-month chairmanship of the organization.

    In his speech, PACE President Jean-Claude Mignon said in recent years
    the organization has adopted a number of important resolutions and
    this is another excellent opportunity to discuss various ideas.

    In reply to the PACE official, the Armenian Foreign Minister said
    in the coming six months Armenia will be involved in the process of
    European integration.

    "This is a serious challenge, and Armenia assumes presidency of the
    Council of Europe, paying special attention to the issues that are
    more important and significant. Armenia vows to pursue the struggle
    against racism, protection of human rights, strengthening of democratic
    society and boosting the role of the Council of Europe. We will work
    to strengthen regional cooperation in the areas of human rights and
    fundamental freedoms," he said.

    PACE member Andreas Gross asked Minister Nalbandian why Armenia's
    military partner Russia has increased the prices for natural gas
    it gives to Armenia and whether Armenia is going to apply economic
    sanctions. "The gas price is regulated by an agreement signed between
    the two countries, and I think we shall reach an agreement because
    we are strategic partners."Another PACE delegate asked the Armenian
    official about the Karabakh peace deal wondering what compromises
    Armenia can suggest in the talks.

    "Out stance on the issue coincides with that of the OSCE Minsk
    group mediators. We welcome the possible solution based on the
    opinion of the international peace brokers. What expectations can
    the international community have from Armenia? It again depends on
    the steps of the co-chairing countries. Armenia has maintained the
    truce since its establishment in 1994, which is not the case with
    Azerbaijan. In particular, they refuse to remove snipers from the
    Line of Contact. Azerbaijan is against the peaceful settlement of
    the conflict," said the Armenian FM.




    From: A. Papazian
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