Tweet
EAAC: ARMENIA NEEDS STRONG AND SKILLED PARLIAMENTARIANS
armradio.am
04.05.2012 14:01
The Europe-Armenia Advisory Council (EAAC) issued a statement on
the parliamentary elections to be held in Armenia on May 6. The
message reads:
"The Europe-Armenia Advisory Council (EAAC), together with the entire
European Union and much of the international community, look forward
to the upcoming parliamentary elections on 6 May 2012. It will be
the responsibility mainly of the Armenian government, but also of
the opposition, media and civil society actors, to ensure that these
elections will mark a step into a promising future for the country
and its people.
These elections are more than merely a day of choosing new
parliamentary representatives. They are a matter of national
importance. Elections marked by disorganisation and undemocratic
conduct would weaken the entire country. Elections marked by a good
organisational conduct and by their free and fair character will
strengthen the entire country and allow for growth and improvement.
Europe stands by Armenia's side and welcomes the remarkable progresses
made during the last years. Armenia has largely overcome the March
2008 crisis. Following European recommendations, an amnesty was
implemented, a dialogue with the extra-parliamentary opposition
started, the electoral code has been improved, freedom of assembly
has been improved (including access to Opera Square), a regular human
rights dialogue was started with the EU and a number of laws and
procedures for the conduct of police and judiciary have been improved.
Besides, Armenia's negotiations for the new Association Agreement with
the EU are progressing very fast. An agreement for Visa Facilitation
with the EU is now in preparation and more fundamentally, the
negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area have
started. This offers Armenia a new perspective and the return to
its place in the European family. Politically, more and more parties
have aligned themselves with their European counterparts. Like most
observers, the EAAC would not have expected all these positive steps
to be actually implemented, and while homework remains to be done,
we welcome that so much has been achieved.
Armenia still faces strong challenges and therefore needs strong
and skilled new parliamentarians. Despite threatening inflammatory
statements from neighbouring Azerbaijan, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
can and must be resolved peacefully. Starting the rapprochement process
with Turkey was a brave and positive step, and while the ball remains
in Turkey's court, we believe this process should be revived.
Economically, Armenia has been hit by the international crisis, but now
looks to regain its strength. Emigration, corruption and inflation have
been clear shortcomings of the past. Facing these challenges requires
politicians with skills and a clear programmatic vision for Armenia.
Your vote can make a difference for Armenia's future. We call upon
all voters to become active, to seek information about the parties'
programmes and the skills of their politicians, and above all, to cast
their vote. Those who do not vote should not complain about politics
later. Those who vote shape Armenia's future and help to prevent
fraud attempts. Some Armenians have been offered food, new roads, a
renovated kindergarten or blunt money for their vote. Give your vote
only in return for good politics! These elections are not only about
your family or community, ALL families and communities need food,
roads, kindergartens, jobs, security and a perspective. Only good
politics can bring this and for this, Armenia needs your vote.
On 6 May, the Armenian people will have a choice! We, the EAAC and
Europe in general, will look at Armenia and seek to celebrate this
day of democracy with you."
armradio.am
04.05.2012 14:01
The Europe-Armenia Advisory Council (EAAC) issued a statement on
the parliamentary elections to be held in Armenia on May 6. The
message reads:
"The Europe-Armenia Advisory Council (EAAC), together with the entire
European Union and much of the international community, look forward
to the upcoming parliamentary elections on 6 May 2012. It will be
the responsibility mainly of the Armenian government, but also of
the opposition, media and civil society actors, to ensure that these
elections will mark a step into a promising future for the country
and its people.
These elections are more than merely a day of choosing new
parliamentary representatives. They are a matter of national
importance. Elections marked by disorganisation and undemocratic
conduct would weaken the entire country. Elections marked by a good
organisational conduct and by their free and fair character will
strengthen the entire country and allow for growth and improvement.
Europe stands by Armenia's side and welcomes the remarkable progresses
made during the last years. Armenia has largely overcome the March
2008 crisis. Following European recommendations, an amnesty was
implemented, a dialogue with the extra-parliamentary opposition
started, the electoral code has been improved, freedom of assembly
has been improved (including access to Opera Square), a regular human
rights dialogue was started with the EU and a number of laws and
procedures for the conduct of police and judiciary have been improved.
Besides, Armenia's negotiations for the new Association Agreement with
the EU are progressing very fast. An agreement for Visa Facilitation
with the EU is now in preparation and more fundamentally, the
negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area have
started. This offers Armenia a new perspective and the return to
its place in the European family. Politically, more and more parties
have aligned themselves with their European counterparts. Like most
observers, the EAAC would not have expected all these positive steps
to be actually implemented, and while homework remains to be done,
we welcome that so much has been achieved.
Armenia still faces strong challenges and therefore needs strong
and skilled new parliamentarians. Despite threatening inflammatory
statements from neighbouring Azerbaijan, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
can and must be resolved peacefully. Starting the rapprochement process
with Turkey was a brave and positive step, and while the ball remains
in Turkey's court, we believe this process should be revived.
Economically, Armenia has been hit by the international crisis, but now
looks to regain its strength. Emigration, corruption and inflation have
been clear shortcomings of the past. Facing these challenges requires
politicians with skills and a clear programmatic vision for Armenia.
Your vote can make a difference for Armenia's future. We call upon
all voters to become active, to seek information about the parties'
programmes and the skills of their politicians, and above all, to cast
their vote. Those who do not vote should not complain about politics
later. Those who vote shape Armenia's future and help to prevent
fraud attempts. Some Armenians have been offered food, new roads, a
renovated kindergarten or blunt money for their vote. Give your vote
only in return for good politics! These elections are not only about
your family or community, ALL families and communities need food,
roads, kindergartens, jobs, security and a perspective. Only good
politics can bring this and for this, Armenia needs your vote.
On 6 May, the Armenian people will have a choice! We, the EAAC and
Europe in general, will look at Armenia and seek to celebrate this
day of democracy with you."