Republican Party of Armenia

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan received Council of Europe Armenia Mission Head Natalia Vutova.

Appreciating the ongoing Armenia-Council of Europe cooperation, the Prime Minister hailed the support provided by the CoE Armenia Office to democratic reforms in our country. The Premier said Armenia is an active member of the Council of Europe and is participating in the CoE proceedings at all levels. As a good example of successful cooperation, Hovik Abrahamyan cited the contribution made by the Venice Commission to constitutional reform in Armenia in the form of expertise.

Pleased with Armenia’s active participation in Council of Europe proceedings, Natalia Vutova said that there are good opportunities for cooperation. Highly appreciative of Armenia’s chairmanship in the Council of Europe in 2013, she said there are effective ties of cooperation established between different State institutions and the CoE Armenia Mission, adding that the Council of Europe is ready to continue assisting the Government with the ongoing reforms.

The CoE-Armenia action plans (2009-2010, 2012-2014 and 2015-2018 respectively) were described as an important tool of interaction. Noting that the local stakeholders are pleased with both the progress and results of the action plan for 2012-2014, as well as with the work of the Armenia Mission of the Council of Europe, the Premier stressed the need for continued efforts in the priority areas.

Coming to the constitutional reform in Armenia, which was endorsed in the December 6, 2015 referendum, Hovik Abrahamyan said the parliamentary form of governance will help develop democracy in our country by virtue of a more open and flexible political system.

Natalia Vutova underscored that the Council of Europe will continue to provide expert support to Armenia in terms of legislative harmonization. In this context, the parties looked at the expected amendments to the Electoral Code as a result of the constitutional reform. The interlocutors exchanged views on bilateral cooperation within the PACE frameworks.