Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

President of the EV Herman van Rompuy in the National Assembly

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • President of the EV Herman van Rompuy in the National Assembly

    President of the European Council Herman van Rompuy in the National Assembly

    http://www.parliament.am/news.php?cat_id=2&NewsID=5264&year12&month=07&day= 04&lang=eng
    04.07.2012


    On July 4 Herman van Rompuy, President of the European Council being
    in Yerevan within the framework of regional visit had a meeting with
    the Speaker of Parliament Hovik Abrahamyan. Afterwards in the session
    hall before the NA deputies the Speaker of the National Assembly Hovik
    Abrahamyan had a welcoming speech, and Herman van Rompuy, President of
    the European Council addressed to the parliament.

    Welcoming those present the Speaker of the National Assembly Hovik
    Abrahamyan said:

    `Honourable President of the European Council Mr Rompuy,

    Dear colleagues,

    It's an honour for me to welcome you dear President and the delegation
    of the European Council in the National Assembly of the Republic of
    Armenia.

    First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to you, Mr
    President, for the decision of visiting Armenia, as well as for the
    initiative of addressing to the National Assembly. It's a great honour
    for us that among the Eastern Partnership member- countries you visit
    just the Republic of Armenia.

    This circumstance testifies to the fulfillment of Armenia's assumed
    international obligations, as well as to recognizing and encouraging
    the democratic reforms being implemented in our country.

    The European direction, the rapprochement with the European Union, as
    well as the development of bilateral relations with European countries
    is one of the RA foreign policy priorities. With this respect I should
    note with satisfaction that Armenia-European Union cooperation
    bilateral format has been considerably expanded during the recent
    years.

    During the past years the Republic of Armenia led by President
    Sargsyan has made big efforts to build a democratic country based on
    European systemic values and more deepen the relations with the
    European Union, and we have recorded tangible success. Armenia's
    aspiration to develop with European values, principles and standards
    also enjoys universal consensus in our society.

    The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia has a key role in
    that process, and the legislative reforms made by our parliament serve
    as bright evidence. Particularly, I would like to mention the new
    `Electoral Code' passed by the National Assembly which enjoyed the
    endorsement of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, as well
    as the law on `Freedom of Assemblies.' According to the assessments of
    the international structures, these two laws had the most important
    contribution in holding the best elections in the history of our young
    republic. We succeeded to hold elections in compliance with European
    standards, as a result of which a parliament representing Armenia's
    political field at best was shaped. I am confident that this
    circumstance will contribute to forming a new culture of
    parliamentarism and making the National Assembly a real tribune of
    plurality.

    The legislative body of Armenia also played an important role in
    creating a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the European
    Union, as well as in beginning negotiations over entry visa
    facilitation.

    The Republic of Armenia was the first country that enjoyed the idea of
    creating the Eastern Partnership Parliamentary format, Euronest
    Parliamentary Assembly which from the beginning has been observed by
    Armenia not only the most important platform of the development of
    Armenia-European Union relationship, but also establishing atmosphere
    of mutual trust and full regional cooperation.

    Taking the advantage I would like to thank the European Union for the
    assistance shown to Armenia and express conviction that this
    cooperation will continue at executive, as well as legislative levels.

    In shaping balanced policy by the European Union towards our region
    and especially to Armenia, honourable Mr President, we especially
    highlight your personal contribution. You, having good fame of
    experienced politician and skilful negotiator, can smooth the problems
    facing the European Union and successfully overcome challenges.

    I am sure that your visit will be an additional stimulus in deepening
    of Armenia-European Union cooperation.'

    In his address Herman van Rompuy, President of the European Council noted:

    Mr Speaker, deputies, ladies and gentlemen,

    It is a great pleasure for me to be in Yerevan today. Armenia has
    brought so much to European history and culture - your country's
    influence is familiar to all Europeans, whether or not they have had
    the good fortune to visit. And I believe we have still much to share
    in the future! On a personal note, I have always been captivated by
    your country's rich and remarkable history. As the most ancient
    Christian nation, you have among the most venerable churches and
    monasteries in the world! It is an honour to address this assembly,
    which represents the people of Armenia in all their diversity. Let me
    first thank you for this invitation to come here today, although the
    Parliament is presently not in session. The opportunity to engage
    directly with parliamentarians at this moment in our relations is one
    which I highly value, and I would like to assure you that I am here to
    listen and to learn.

    I must say, Mr Speaker, that it is for me a very appropriate moment to
    stand in this chamber - the parliament is beginning a new mandate with
    an agenda for reforms which is important for your country, and
    important for the region. This commitment to reforms -

    reforms based on core values which we share - is an important signal
    for hope and change. Hope, and change, for which you have our full
    support.

    Mr Speaker, honourable deputies, in deepening our ties we build on our
    shared values and aspirations. Europe recognises in Armenia a key
    partner in promoting international peace and security, in engaging in
    effective multilateralism, including for the peaceful settlement of
    disputes through the United Nations or the Organisation for Security
    and Cooperation in Europe. I want to begin my remarks with this in
    mind, since the ambitions we have for our relationship with Armenia
    will only be achieved if they are built on peace, security and
    stability. The situation in the region is a major challenge. A
    resolution of the conflict on Nagorno-Karabakh is the key to unlocking
    the region's enormous development potential and the prosperity that it
    can bring. But for this to happen, much depends on the will not just
    of politicians, but also of citizens, to take difficult decisions and
    to work together, resisting the temptations of populist rhetoric and
    entrenchment. The European project was born out of the idea that we
    would not be prisoners of our history, that we could overcome the
    scars of conflict and bring former enemies together to build a better
    future. We started with small and manageable steps - the very first
    when former bitter enemies decided to mutualise their production of
    coal and steel, basic ingredients of war. One step led to another,
    tying the economies and societies on our continent ever closer
    together. Countries that had fiercely fought one another for centuries
    joined together to play a common role in the world. Each stage along
    the way has brought its own challenges -- and we are facing some now
    -- yet this path has undeniably brought peace and prosperity to our
    continent.

    I'll say that the European Union is above all a community of values -
    values that we believe are worth defending and worth sharing. Armenia
    is a partner who wants to embrace these values. The closer association
    we are working to establish is directly linked to this aspiration, and
    it will take our relations to a new level, bringing our co-operation
    much more directly into the lives of citizens. Uniting Europe was
    never going to be an easy task. Along the way, we have always managed
    to overcome difficulties through dialogue, consensus building and
    political will. Sometimes we have to admit we have made mistakes. The
    present economic and financial crisis is perhaps the most challenging
    one in the history of European integration. But if we can handle it
    with resolve, and with accountability, we will be stronger. There is
    much work still ahead, but we are determined to carry it out and lay
    the foundations for the future. We are addressing systemic challenges
    for the Economic and Monetary Union, and working to make it fully
    secure, safe and stable. We are learning the lessons, in terms of
    fiscal discipline, structural reforms and deepening integration. But
    this has to be done in an accountable way, and it has to be done in a
    transparent way.

    Mr Speaker Armenia is intent on deepening its relations with the
    European Union, and this is something that we welcome. Your desire to
    bring your own standards and norms closer to those of the European
    Union represents a strategic choice for your country, which will lie
    at the heart of our new Agreement. I believe we have a very solid
    framework for our co-operation. The European Union's renewed
    Neighbourhood Policy, which was launched last year, has clear goals:
    to offer greater support to partners engaged in building deep and
    sustainable democracies, and to support inclusive economic development
    more effectively. One of its main features is the principle which we
    call "more for more", and I want to stress this because I believe
    Armenia has a lot to gain from it. At the basis of the Eastern
    Partnership lies a shared commitment to international law and
    fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law and respect
    for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as to market
    economy, sustainable development and good governance. Higher ambitions
    and achievements in these areas will attract higher levels of
    financial and technical support from the European Union: "more for
    more". To take our relations to this new level of co-operation and
    support, Mr Speaker, there is no need to invent complicated new
    policies or agendas. The job ahead of us, a job where we will be
    working jointly, is already clearly set out in our agreements and
    instruments. I am glad in particular that our negotiations on an
    Association Agreement with its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area
    are quietly moving forward. The same is true for our work on visa
    facilitation. Much of the work we do together requires efforts,
    patience and commitment and not all of it gets the political
    recognition it deserves - we need `champions' to support it and it is
    in this house that I would expect to find those champions. At the same
    time, citizens and civil society organisations, NGOs of course but
    also trade unions or the media, can also play a crucial role in
    driving forward reforms which meet real needs and which stand the test
    of time.

    Mr Speaker, let me try to illustrate what I have said about our joint
    road ahead with a few observations I have drawn when reviewing recent
    reports on internal developments in Armenia, and on the progress in
    our bilateral relations. The first remark I would like to make is on
    democracy. I am glad that the elections on 6 May demonstrated progress
    towards a more transparent and competitive electoral system. This was
    an important step forward, and I encourage Armenia to continue on this
    path, by strengthening democratic institutions, promoting
    transparency, human rights and the rule of law. At the same time, it
    is clear that a number of issues still need to be addressed to further
    improve the electoral system. Valuable work has been done by the
    observers of the OSCE/ODIHR as identified in their Final Report. I
    trust these issues could be addressed in good time for the
    presidential elections next year. My second remark is more generally
    related to what I would call the `core reforms', those we really need
    to get right if our political association is to fulfil its potential.
    The European Union welcomes Armenia's reform efforts and advancement
    of Human Rights and the Rule of Law. But there are critical areas such
    as free speech, press and broadcasting, religious freedom and
    anti-discrimination where still more can be done, and we will
    certainly want to look again at the reform priorities agreed between
    us in areas like justice, human rights, the media and nuclear energy.

    Mr Speaker, I hope that Armenia continues to focus its efforts on
    pursuing genuine reforms. You can count on our support and that is why
    I wanted to join you today - to show that our commitment is sincere
    and lasting, and held at the highest level by the European Union. In
    line with the `more for more' principle, so provided Armenia takes the
    right steps, we are ready to scale up our support.

    As I move to my conclusion, I would like to return to the regional
    context. The benefits of the Eastern Partnership cannot fully be
    realized without a sustained effort to build stability -- stability
    between neighbours. Indeed, the medium to long-term goals of our
    future agreement make no sense if the threat of conflict is going to
    be a permanent presence in the background. But let me be clear: this
    is a reality and it has to be faced. The European Union will continue
    to insist that Armenia and Azerbaijan step up their efforts to reach
    agreement. The so-called Madrid Principles remain a valid basis for
    peace, in accordance with the commitments made by the Presidents of
    both your countries to France, Russia and the United States as
    co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group. And we will continue to ask for
    unconditional access for representatives of the European Union to
    Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions.

    Mr Speaker, I was with great concern that I learnt about the recent
    serious armed incidents along the border between Armenia and
    Azerbaijan and the line of contact. I deeply regret the loss of human
    life. The clock cannot be turned back on these tragic incidents, but
    lessons can be learned. The European Union calls on both sides
    strictly to respect the ceasefire and exercise restraint, on the
    ground and in public statements, in order to prevent a further
    escalation of the situation. Threats and the use of force do not
    contribute to a resolution of this persisting conflict. The efforts of
    the Minsk Group and its co-chairs to seek a peaceful resolution have
    our full support. Where useful, we stand ready to provide extra
    assistance for confidence building measures. And once there is a
    settlement agreement the EU will be ready to help implementing it
    including with rehabilitation assistance.

    Finally, I would like also to say a few words on the relations between
    Armenia and Turkey. Obviously this is a relationship which has been
    loaded by history: I am fully aware of that. The European Union will
    continue to encourage both sides to remain committed to the process of
    normalization of bilateral relations, without preconditions from any
    side. I am deeply convinced that fully normalising these relations
    with our common neighbour and EU candidate country would be an
    exceptionally positive contribution to security, stability and
    cooperation in the Southern Caucasus and beyond.

    Honourable Speaker, dear deputies,

    The path of prosperity, sustained development and security is also the
    path of genuine reforms, democracy and peace. Progress in the
    resolution of the regional conflict will have a positive impact on the
    growth and investment potential of Armenia and of the region, since it
    will encourage confidence from investors and partners, allowing you to
    enjoy the rewards which this great nation should be enjoying. What is
    needed now is more trust, more contacts, more confidence-building. The
    status quo is no option. Without trust, there will never be peace. And
    trust will depend on both sides showing leadership and compromise.
    Every effort -- every small step -- towards a peaceful, negotiated
    settlement will bring the entire region closer to the secure and
    prosperous future that its citizens deserve.

    Mr Speaker, I remain convinced that your resolve can pave the way
    towards this brighter future. The citizens of Armenia -- the men and
    women who voted for you -- would expect no less.'


    From: Baghdasarian
Working...
X