Tweet
PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN'S SPEECH AT THE PLENARY MEETING OF THE PACE
AZG DAILY #115,
23-06-2011
Statement by the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan
at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General,
Distinguished Members of the Assembly,
I would like to start by expressing my gratitude for the opportunity
to address the European audience through this distinguished forum,
which has played a crucial role in the process of enrooting democracy
in Armenia.
Twenty years ago, in September 1991, Armenia declared independence,
attaining the dream of many centuries and generations, and reuniting
with the community of sovereign states. Ten years later, in 2001,
Armenia acceded to the Council of Europe, reaffirming a shared
historical and cultural legacy with this European family of nations.
Today, stand before the Assembly, I recall these milestones with a
sense of pride for the achievements of our people and our state in
the last two decades.
Having experienced various oppressive regimes, my people know too
well the price of freedom. The history of my people is one of creation
and struggle. Freedom and peace have been our dream for centuries. We
are now en route to our dream.
The people of Armenia have made their historic and irreversible
choice. Our road to becoming closer to Europe has been unique in a
natural way. However, there have been obstacles, which are not natural,
such as the artificial and unlawful blockade imposed on Armenia
by our two neighbors. However, in spite of all the difficulties,
our society knows precisely where it is going, and why it has chosen
this particular route of development. For us, it is a homecoming to
the European civilization and cultural realm, to which we belong,
and where we have been ever-present.
The Council of Europe is indeed the institutional embodiment of our
common system of values. Its mission encompasses the entire Continent,
defining Europe not purely as a geographical term, but above all, as
a common cultural and civilizational platform of values and identity.
My people have throughout history paid too high a price for the right
to worship these values and ideas, which at such times in history were
alien to our particular region. As a consequence, we were silenced in
the most brutal and horrendous way. The Council of Europe signifies
the promise that such events are not to be allowed to reoccur on the
European Continent.
In the last two decades, the Council of Europe has been a vital partner
for Armenia in the process of state building and strengthening of
democracy. In Armenia, some even joke that our political system has
three components: the government, the opposition, and the Council of
Europe. The joke, however, actually reflects the strong involvement
of the Council of Europe in the change process currently underway
in Armenia.
Dear Colleagues;
In 2008, our country experienced serious problems and challenges. The
steps taken by the government to overcome the consequences of the
tragic events of March 2008 have been discussed in detail with all
of our partners, including those in the Council of Europe. We have
sometimes had serious discrepancies and have respectfully disagreed
with each other's assessments. We have, however, benefited from the
exchange, the wisdom of the experience, and the constructive dialogue.
Short of it, it would have been impossible to move forward after those
tragic events, steering clear of new confrontation and disaster. Allow
me to extend our respect and appreciation to the co-rapporteurs
for Armenia Mr. Prescott, Mr. Colombie, and Mr. Fisher, as well as
Commissioner Hammarberg for their productive and persistent engagement.
The Armenian government has profoundly believed in and pursued the
aim of sustaining progress along the democratic path. No doubt has
ever been cast on Armenia's democratic future, even in the direst
moments of the domestic political crisis. This very conviction has
also underpinned the logic of the measures taken in the last three
years, especially in recent months, with a view to promoting a healthy
political environment in our country. This determination also lies
at the heart of the comprehensive and continuous reform of all the
structures aimed at further consolidation of democracy in Armenia.
We learn.
We learn to listen to and respect each other's views.
We learn and gradually adopt the understanding that the government
and the opposition are not enemies. Strength is not best demonstrated
by attempting to eliminate the other side.
We learn tolerance and shape a culture of dialogue.
We learn not to reciprocate insults, and we learn to consult a wider
circle of stakeholders on key issues.
We learn to honor and appreciate the accomplishments of former
leaders. We learn not to shun away from hearing constructive criticism
and reviewing our decisions.
We learn to live by another set of rules.
We learn as a society.
In this Assembly, for you as representatives of countries that have
deeply-rooted democratic traditions, my words may appear self-evident.
However, I would like to assure you that this process is crucial. We
have to graduate from it, and doing so requires an enormous effort and
perseverance. We are ready for it. We will not hesitate to use every
opportunity to take a step in this direction or make our message clear.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
We are indeed proud of our achievements. In two decades, Armenia
has implemented wide-scale democracy building. Since achieving
independence, especially after the 2005 constitutional amendments,
much has been done to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the
protection and promotion of human rights. Our country has seriously
and irreversibly aligned its ways of living with the rules of the
democratic and liberal world. In this process, the advisory and
institutional assistance provided to us by the Venice Commission,
various OSCE structures, and recently also the European Commission,
have been indispensable for us. The impact of the European Court of
Human Rights, a unique and important supranational structure promoting
human rights, is omnipresent in our country.
The 2008 political crisis revealed the vulnerabilities of our legal
framework and practice, providing an additional impetus to our
efforts. As a result, the legislation underwent serious revisions.
Fundamental reform of the police system is currently underway. The
2012-2014 Judicial Reform Plan is now being elaborated with the aim
of safeguarding judicial independence. Important changes have been
made to the Criminal Code articles regarding mass disorders and
seizing of power by force. The legislation was revised in order to
guarantee the exercise of the right to freedom of assembly. A very
different philosophy underlies the new law: a presumption in favor
of facilitating the legitimate exercise of the right, rather than
restricting the freedom of assembly.
A comprehensive review of the legislation with a view to eliminating
corruption risks and bureaucratic procedures is high on our political
agenda. An Anti-Corruption Council and Anti-Corruption Monitoring
Commission have been created and are operating effectively. A Public
Service Law has been adopted, requiring public disclosure of the
property and income of over 600 high-ranking public servants and
persons affiliated with them, as well as a set of ethical rules.
A major effort is underway to improve the Law on Television and the
Radio. Legislation was enacted to decriminalize defamation, which
has been a significant step in support of the freedom of speech.
Our team has worked with an active group of EU advisors to develop
an extensive strategy to promote reforms over the next three years,
which will harmonize and bring under one roof the processes of change
occurring in various areas.
We are determined to continue the reforms. We recognize that Armenia
cannot develop without further fundamental improvements that will
perhaps be no less painful than the ones implemented in the past.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
The people of Armenia are the main actor and driving force of progress
in our country. I rightfully take pride in the maturity and balanced
attitude of Armenia's society, the principled approaches of many
civil society organizations. They secure a comprehensive and speedy
process promoting and sustaining the core values of democracy, human
rights, and the rule of law. We are building and consolidating our
institutions and democracy in this particular framework of diversity.
The next milestone along this path will be the parliamentary election
next spring.
The Armenian government, like any other democratic government,
undoubtedly attach great importance to the role of fair and transparent
elections for further development of our statehood.
However, free and fair elections are not enough. It is also necessary
that the elections be perceived as such by the public. To this
end, the recent adoption of a new Electoral Code is certainly worth
mentioning. The new Code has been developed on the basis of a review
of all the relevant reports of observer missions. We believe that
it will not only allow conducting free and fair elections, but also
guarantee the full acceptance of the election results by society. The
Armenian government will spare no effort to conduct the elections
in full compliance with our Constitution and laws, as well as our
international commitments. We are grateful to the Council of Europe
for the persistent support and counselling of its numerous structures
in this area.
We will cooperate in this vital area with all the institutional
stakeholders of civil society. We are ready to accept the advice
and support of our international partners. We are ready to utilize
all the existing mechanisms and to create opportunities for the most
transparent domestic and international monitoring of elections. Most
importantly, the upcoming elections should take place in an atmosphere
of public trust and fortify our achievements.
We do not look for shortcuts in our reforms or democracy building.
Neither are we looking for political praise by the international
community. Our intention is not to prove to others that the path chosen
by us is non-fallible. We do not attribute failure to "objective"
limitations such as the unresolved conflict or the inability of
neighbours to normalize relations with us. I am nonetheless confident
that what we do today will last. We do expect, however, that the
Council and the Assembly will demonstrate political credibility and
apply fair and consistent rules in assessing the member states.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Peaceful and just resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains
the most important issue for us. The negotiations are conducted in
the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. We are grateful to the co-chair
states for their efforts. Importantly, the presidents of those states
are personally engaged in the resolution process. It does, undoubtedly,
inspire great hope.
I believe you would agree that the most important current and potential
contribution of the Council of Europe to this process is the promotion
of tolerance. To this end, we note with pain and concern that hotbeds
of racism and xenophobia still exist in the territory of the Council
of Europe.
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, in its
recent regular report on Azerbaijan, reconfirmed the extreme level
of Armenophobia and racism prevailing in that country. We regret this
fact, because it is hard to imagine such a situation in a member state
of the Council of Europe. We regret, because we clearly understand
that the poison of intolerance strikes most heavily the society
bearing such poison. It also troubles us because:
- Azerbaijan is our immediate neighbor,
- The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains unresolved in our neighborhood,
and
- We attach importance to the necessity of progressing in the process
of resolving the conflict.
In two days, a trilateral meeting of the Presidents of Russia, Armenia,
and Azerbaijan will take place. In the run-up to the meeting, the
co-chair states have exerted all efforts to secure finalization of
the basic principles of resolution. We are talking about solving the
issue by means of mutual concession. However, our situation would
seem like a concession to the side that is looking for the convenient
excuse to shoot at us. In such a situation, it will be very difficult
for anyone to persuade society in Armenia, or society in Karabakh -
the indigenous Armenian people living in Karabakh for centuries - that
it is necessary to make certain concessions to a country where there
is such intolerance and such extreme racist feelings towards Armenians.
Even under these circumstances, we travel to Kazan in anticipation
of progress, as we attach great importance to regional stability and
development, to securing a safe future for the generation growing up in
Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh, and Azerbaijan, and to demonstrating good
will and a constructive approach. However, we all should realize that
an agreement can be finalized and effectively implemented only when
the patterns of Armenophobia and racism are eliminated in Azerbaijan
and an atmosphere of trust is formed. Naturally, no one may question
the inherent right of the people of Karabakh to live freely and safely
on their land and to be the masters of their destiny.
Thus, what can be expected of the Council of Europe:
- First of all, not to harm the process. The short-term impact of
uninformed debates allows the parties to avoid lasting solutions that
could otherwise emerge in the peace talks in the frameworks of the
OSCE Minsk Group.
I am confident that the overwhelming majority of our colleagues at the
PACE, who have expressed or will express a desire to discuss any issue
related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, have done or will do so out
of good will. However, some can still act on the basis of inadequate
information, which can indeed undermine the process. Therefore, I
urge all of you to exercise some restraint. The main guidance should
be the principle of causing no harm.
- Is it possible to help?
Certainly, it is. Regardless of different visions for the final
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, one thing is certain.
Karabakh has been, is, and will remain a part of Europe, albeit
unrecognized. Do we realize that society in Karabakh today is a part
of European society, a part of the European family regardless of the
de-jure status of Karabakh? Has the time not come for the Council
of Europe to engage directly with Karabakh in terms of its primary
functions of protection and promotion of human rights, formation of
civil society, democracy, tolerance, and the like? Would it not be
much more logical if the Council of Europe first engaged with Karabakh
before expressing a desire to discuss matters related to Karabakh,
with the participation of the people of Karabakh in such discussions?
Dear Colleagues,
The collapse of the Berlin Wall heralded the elimination of dividing
lines in Europe. Unfortunately, twenty years later, our region is
still waiting for its dividing lines to be eliminated.
Two years ago, we initiated a process of normalization between Armenia
and Turkey, which would have allowed, through the establishment of
diplomatic relations and opening of the border, to gradually overcome
the divide that had existed for almost a century. I would like to note
that, throughout the process, we greatly appreciated the inspiration
and permanent support of not only the mediator states, but also
the international community more broadly, including various senior
officials of the Council of Europe. Unfortunately, in spite of this
support, Armenia-Turkey normalization process ended up in a deadlock.
The sole reason was that Turkey reverted to its practice of setting
preconditions, and failing to honor its commitments, which rendered
the ratification of the signed protocols impossible. Having faced the
wall of disappointment and mistrust, I cannot predict when the window
of opportunity will reopen. I regret to say so, but it is the reality.
It is important to emphasize that Armenia initiated the process
with good intentions, true to the 21st-century imperative of peaceful
coexistence of nations and peoples, all on the backdrop of Turkey still
not only failing to recognize, but also engaging in a policy of blunt
denial of the Genocide of Armenians committed in the Ottoman Empire
in 1915. Meanwhile, Armenians worldwide are expecting an adequate
response. Our tireless efforts, and hopefully also the efforts of
those concerned about crimes against humanity, will henceforth remain
focused on the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
However, we are determined not to leave this problem unsolved for
generations to come. The normalization of relations between Armenia
and Turkey is important not only for Armenians and Turks, but also
for the whole region, I believe even for the whole of Europe in terms
of creating an atmosphere of peace, stability, and cooperation. The
unlawful blockade of Armenia must come to an end.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Allow me to conclude by restating my deep belief in the future of a
common, comprehensive, peaceful, and prosperous Europe. If Europe is
an idea, a platform of shared values, then it should be true for all
of Europe - from the Atlantic Ocean to the Urals and beyond, without
groupings or divisions. Europe cannot and should not tolerate new
dividing lines - tangible or intangible. The Council of Europe should
become an important political arena for Europe-wide comprehensive
discussions and collective efforts aimed at the advancement of
European unity. It is commanded by our common responsibility towards
future generations.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
AZG DAILY #115,
23-06-2011
Statement by the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan
at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General,
Distinguished Members of the Assembly,
I would like to start by expressing my gratitude for the opportunity
to address the European audience through this distinguished forum,
which has played a crucial role in the process of enrooting democracy
in Armenia.
Twenty years ago, in September 1991, Armenia declared independence,
attaining the dream of many centuries and generations, and reuniting
with the community of sovereign states. Ten years later, in 2001,
Armenia acceded to the Council of Europe, reaffirming a shared
historical and cultural legacy with this European family of nations.
Today, stand before the Assembly, I recall these milestones with a
sense of pride for the achievements of our people and our state in
the last two decades.
Having experienced various oppressive regimes, my people know too
well the price of freedom. The history of my people is one of creation
and struggle. Freedom and peace have been our dream for centuries. We
are now en route to our dream.
The people of Armenia have made their historic and irreversible
choice. Our road to becoming closer to Europe has been unique in a
natural way. However, there have been obstacles, which are not natural,
such as the artificial and unlawful blockade imposed on Armenia
by our two neighbors. However, in spite of all the difficulties,
our society knows precisely where it is going, and why it has chosen
this particular route of development. For us, it is a homecoming to
the European civilization and cultural realm, to which we belong,
and where we have been ever-present.
The Council of Europe is indeed the institutional embodiment of our
common system of values. Its mission encompasses the entire Continent,
defining Europe not purely as a geographical term, but above all, as
a common cultural and civilizational platform of values and identity.
My people have throughout history paid too high a price for the right
to worship these values and ideas, which at such times in history were
alien to our particular region. As a consequence, we were silenced in
the most brutal and horrendous way. The Council of Europe signifies
the promise that such events are not to be allowed to reoccur on the
European Continent.
In the last two decades, the Council of Europe has been a vital partner
for Armenia in the process of state building and strengthening of
democracy. In Armenia, some even joke that our political system has
three components: the government, the opposition, and the Council of
Europe. The joke, however, actually reflects the strong involvement
of the Council of Europe in the change process currently underway
in Armenia.
Dear Colleagues;
In 2008, our country experienced serious problems and challenges. The
steps taken by the government to overcome the consequences of the
tragic events of March 2008 have been discussed in detail with all
of our partners, including those in the Council of Europe. We have
sometimes had serious discrepancies and have respectfully disagreed
with each other's assessments. We have, however, benefited from the
exchange, the wisdom of the experience, and the constructive dialogue.
Short of it, it would have been impossible to move forward after those
tragic events, steering clear of new confrontation and disaster. Allow
me to extend our respect and appreciation to the co-rapporteurs
for Armenia Mr. Prescott, Mr. Colombie, and Mr. Fisher, as well as
Commissioner Hammarberg for their productive and persistent engagement.
The Armenian government has profoundly believed in and pursued the
aim of sustaining progress along the democratic path. No doubt has
ever been cast on Armenia's democratic future, even in the direst
moments of the domestic political crisis. This very conviction has
also underpinned the logic of the measures taken in the last three
years, especially in recent months, with a view to promoting a healthy
political environment in our country. This determination also lies
at the heart of the comprehensive and continuous reform of all the
structures aimed at further consolidation of democracy in Armenia.
We learn.
We learn to listen to and respect each other's views.
We learn and gradually adopt the understanding that the government
and the opposition are not enemies. Strength is not best demonstrated
by attempting to eliminate the other side.
We learn tolerance and shape a culture of dialogue.
We learn not to reciprocate insults, and we learn to consult a wider
circle of stakeholders on key issues.
We learn to honor and appreciate the accomplishments of former
leaders. We learn not to shun away from hearing constructive criticism
and reviewing our decisions.
We learn to live by another set of rules.
We learn as a society.
In this Assembly, for you as representatives of countries that have
deeply-rooted democratic traditions, my words may appear self-evident.
However, I would like to assure you that this process is crucial. We
have to graduate from it, and doing so requires an enormous effort and
perseverance. We are ready for it. We will not hesitate to use every
opportunity to take a step in this direction or make our message clear.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
We are indeed proud of our achievements. In two decades, Armenia
has implemented wide-scale democracy building. Since achieving
independence, especially after the 2005 constitutional amendments,
much has been done to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the
protection and promotion of human rights. Our country has seriously
and irreversibly aligned its ways of living with the rules of the
democratic and liberal world. In this process, the advisory and
institutional assistance provided to us by the Venice Commission,
various OSCE structures, and recently also the European Commission,
have been indispensable for us. The impact of the European Court of
Human Rights, a unique and important supranational structure promoting
human rights, is omnipresent in our country.
The 2008 political crisis revealed the vulnerabilities of our legal
framework and practice, providing an additional impetus to our
efforts. As a result, the legislation underwent serious revisions.
Fundamental reform of the police system is currently underway. The
2012-2014 Judicial Reform Plan is now being elaborated with the aim
of safeguarding judicial independence. Important changes have been
made to the Criminal Code articles regarding mass disorders and
seizing of power by force. The legislation was revised in order to
guarantee the exercise of the right to freedom of assembly. A very
different philosophy underlies the new law: a presumption in favor
of facilitating the legitimate exercise of the right, rather than
restricting the freedom of assembly.
A comprehensive review of the legislation with a view to eliminating
corruption risks and bureaucratic procedures is high on our political
agenda. An Anti-Corruption Council and Anti-Corruption Monitoring
Commission have been created and are operating effectively. A Public
Service Law has been adopted, requiring public disclosure of the
property and income of over 600 high-ranking public servants and
persons affiliated with them, as well as a set of ethical rules.
A major effort is underway to improve the Law on Television and the
Radio. Legislation was enacted to decriminalize defamation, which
has been a significant step in support of the freedom of speech.
Our team has worked with an active group of EU advisors to develop
an extensive strategy to promote reforms over the next three years,
which will harmonize and bring under one roof the processes of change
occurring in various areas.
We are determined to continue the reforms. We recognize that Armenia
cannot develop without further fundamental improvements that will
perhaps be no less painful than the ones implemented in the past.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
The people of Armenia are the main actor and driving force of progress
in our country. I rightfully take pride in the maturity and balanced
attitude of Armenia's society, the principled approaches of many
civil society organizations. They secure a comprehensive and speedy
process promoting and sustaining the core values of democracy, human
rights, and the rule of law. We are building and consolidating our
institutions and democracy in this particular framework of diversity.
The next milestone along this path will be the parliamentary election
next spring.
The Armenian government, like any other democratic government,
undoubtedly attach great importance to the role of fair and transparent
elections for further development of our statehood.
However, free and fair elections are not enough. It is also necessary
that the elections be perceived as such by the public. To this
end, the recent adoption of a new Electoral Code is certainly worth
mentioning. The new Code has been developed on the basis of a review
of all the relevant reports of observer missions. We believe that
it will not only allow conducting free and fair elections, but also
guarantee the full acceptance of the election results by society. The
Armenian government will spare no effort to conduct the elections
in full compliance with our Constitution and laws, as well as our
international commitments. We are grateful to the Council of Europe
for the persistent support and counselling of its numerous structures
in this area.
We will cooperate in this vital area with all the institutional
stakeholders of civil society. We are ready to accept the advice
and support of our international partners. We are ready to utilize
all the existing mechanisms and to create opportunities for the most
transparent domestic and international monitoring of elections. Most
importantly, the upcoming elections should take place in an atmosphere
of public trust and fortify our achievements.
We do not look for shortcuts in our reforms or democracy building.
Neither are we looking for political praise by the international
community. Our intention is not to prove to others that the path chosen
by us is non-fallible. We do not attribute failure to "objective"
limitations such as the unresolved conflict or the inability of
neighbours to normalize relations with us. I am nonetheless confident
that what we do today will last. We do expect, however, that the
Council and the Assembly will demonstrate political credibility and
apply fair and consistent rules in assessing the member states.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Peaceful and just resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains
the most important issue for us. The negotiations are conducted in
the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. We are grateful to the co-chair
states for their efforts. Importantly, the presidents of those states
are personally engaged in the resolution process. It does, undoubtedly,
inspire great hope.
I believe you would agree that the most important current and potential
contribution of the Council of Europe to this process is the promotion
of tolerance. To this end, we note with pain and concern that hotbeds
of racism and xenophobia still exist in the territory of the Council
of Europe.
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, in its
recent regular report on Azerbaijan, reconfirmed the extreme level
of Armenophobia and racism prevailing in that country. We regret this
fact, because it is hard to imagine such a situation in a member state
of the Council of Europe. We regret, because we clearly understand
that the poison of intolerance strikes most heavily the society
bearing such poison. It also troubles us because:
- Azerbaijan is our immediate neighbor,
- The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains unresolved in our neighborhood,
and
- We attach importance to the necessity of progressing in the process
of resolving the conflict.
In two days, a trilateral meeting of the Presidents of Russia, Armenia,
and Azerbaijan will take place. In the run-up to the meeting, the
co-chair states have exerted all efforts to secure finalization of
the basic principles of resolution. We are talking about solving the
issue by means of mutual concession. However, our situation would
seem like a concession to the side that is looking for the convenient
excuse to shoot at us. In such a situation, it will be very difficult
for anyone to persuade society in Armenia, or society in Karabakh -
the indigenous Armenian people living in Karabakh for centuries - that
it is necessary to make certain concessions to a country where there
is such intolerance and such extreme racist feelings towards Armenians.
Even under these circumstances, we travel to Kazan in anticipation
of progress, as we attach great importance to regional stability and
development, to securing a safe future for the generation growing up in
Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh, and Azerbaijan, and to demonstrating good
will and a constructive approach. However, we all should realize that
an agreement can be finalized and effectively implemented only when
the patterns of Armenophobia and racism are eliminated in Azerbaijan
and an atmosphere of trust is formed. Naturally, no one may question
the inherent right of the people of Karabakh to live freely and safely
on their land and to be the masters of their destiny.
Thus, what can be expected of the Council of Europe:
- First of all, not to harm the process. The short-term impact of
uninformed debates allows the parties to avoid lasting solutions that
could otherwise emerge in the peace talks in the frameworks of the
OSCE Minsk Group.
I am confident that the overwhelming majority of our colleagues at the
PACE, who have expressed or will express a desire to discuss any issue
related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, have done or will do so out
of good will. However, some can still act on the basis of inadequate
information, which can indeed undermine the process. Therefore, I
urge all of you to exercise some restraint. The main guidance should
be the principle of causing no harm.
- Is it possible to help?
Certainly, it is. Regardless of different visions for the final
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, one thing is certain.
Karabakh has been, is, and will remain a part of Europe, albeit
unrecognized. Do we realize that society in Karabakh today is a part
of European society, a part of the European family regardless of the
de-jure status of Karabakh? Has the time not come for the Council
of Europe to engage directly with Karabakh in terms of its primary
functions of protection and promotion of human rights, formation of
civil society, democracy, tolerance, and the like? Would it not be
much more logical if the Council of Europe first engaged with Karabakh
before expressing a desire to discuss matters related to Karabakh,
with the participation of the people of Karabakh in such discussions?
Dear Colleagues,
The collapse of the Berlin Wall heralded the elimination of dividing
lines in Europe. Unfortunately, twenty years later, our region is
still waiting for its dividing lines to be eliminated.
Two years ago, we initiated a process of normalization between Armenia
and Turkey, which would have allowed, through the establishment of
diplomatic relations and opening of the border, to gradually overcome
the divide that had existed for almost a century. I would like to note
that, throughout the process, we greatly appreciated the inspiration
and permanent support of not only the mediator states, but also
the international community more broadly, including various senior
officials of the Council of Europe. Unfortunately, in spite of this
support, Armenia-Turkey normalization process ended up in a deadlock.
The sole reason was that Turkey reverted to its practice of setting
preconditions, and failing to honor its commitments, which rendered
the ratification of the signed protocols impossible. Having faced the
wall of disappointment and mistrust, I cannot predict when the window
of opportunity will reopen. I regret to say so, but it is the reality.
It is important to emphasize that Armenia initiated the process
with good intentions, true to the 21st-century imperative of peaceful
coexistence of nations and peoples, all on the backdrop of Turkey still
not only failing to recognize, but also engaging in a policy of blunt
denial of the Genocide of Armenians committed in the Ottoman Empire
in 1915. Meanwhile, Armenians worldwide are expecting an adequate
response. Our tireless efforts, and hopefully also the efforts of
those concerned about crimes against humanity, will henceforth remain
focused on the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
However, we are determined not to leave this problem unsolved for
generations to come. The normalization of relations between Armenia
and Turkey is important not only for Armenians and Turks, but also
for the whole region, I believe even for the whole of Europe in terms
of creating an atmosphere of peace, stability, and cooperation. The
unlawful blockade of Armenia must come to an end.
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Allow me to conclude by restating my deep belief in the future of a
common, comprehensive, peaceful, and prosperous Europe. If Europe is
an idea, a platform of shared values, then it should be true for all
of Europe - from the Atlantic Ocean to the Urals and beyond, without
groupings or divisions. Europe cannot and should not tolerate new
dividing lines - tangible or intangible. The Council of Europe should
become an important political arena for Europe-wide comprehensive
discussions and collective efforts aimed at the advancement of
European unity. It is commanded by our common responsibility towards
future generations.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress