YEREVAN, MAY 21, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia  Edward Nalbandian made a statement over the 15 anniversary of Armenia’s membership to the Council of Europe.

“Armenpress” presents the full statement:

“This year marks 15th anniversary of Armenia’s membership to the Council of Europe. Armenia’s membership to the Council of Europe in 2011 was really a great and responsible step for our country. 10 year old newly independent country became a part of the organization which includes nearly all Europe, has a rich history, traditions and a system of values based on shared commitments of all member states. Moreover, it joined the Council of Europe not only for being a part of the continent, but because it took several commitments which are the pillars of the Council of Europe in the spheres of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and democracy. Thus, Armenia was presenting a bid to become a member of the European big family not only with its history and culture, which are, undoubtedly, integral parts of the Europe, but also with its commitment to these values.

Looking in depth the way Armenia passed since joining the Council of Europe, it can be stated that Armenia fulfilled its mission with honor. The legal obligations that were set by Armenia’s membership to the CoE were related to the signing of several conventions, the adoption or revision of laws, the protection of human rights. For instance, the Human Rights Defender’s institute was established, the alternative services were set based on these obligations.

It is worthy to recall about the long-term productive cooperation between Armenia and the Venice Commission of the CoE. From this perspective I would like to stress especially our close cooperation with the Commission during the last year’s constitutional amendments in Armenia as a result of which the draft of the amendments was assessed by this famous organization as in accordance with the high-quality and international standards.

Armenia really made serious progress in the implementation of its obligations. CoE stated many times this fact and emphasized that out country confidently strengthens its democracy. The organization consistently follows the ongoing processes and reforms in Armenia through the works of the monitoring bodies, including the reporters of the CoE Committee of Ministers and the PACE monitoring commission.

Only recently the CoE Committee of Ministers adopted a decision over the implementation of Armenia’s obligations during which it welcomed the sustainable progress of our country and the commitment of Armenia to continue further reforms on strengthening human rights, democracy and the rule of law. During 15 year membership Armenia became an integral part of the CoE and its different structures with its active role. As a member of the CoE Armenia benefits from the opportunities provided by the organization to move forward the reforms that are vital for our country, are based on our priorities and serve the interests of our people.

From this perspective, a number of projects were implemented due to these various cooperation mechanisms. The Action Plans between Armenia and the CoE practically proved their productivity. It is not a coincidence that today the third Action Plan will kick off. It includes dozens of projects in the spheres of justice, rule of law, human rights and democratic governance. As in the previous cases, the role of the EU in these Action Plans is immense, that’s why I want to thank our EU partners.

Armenia took the chairmanship of the CoE Committee of Ministers in 2013. Armenia stood at the helm of the European biggest organization, which was an important mission, and also opportunity and responsibility. Armenia succeeded in the chairmanship which was confirmed by the CoE Secretary General, heads of structures and member states in different occasions. 13 big international conferences, dozens of events took place in Armenia within the framework of its chairmanship.

Armenia initiated and proposed topics for discussions of the CoE big family for six months which were related to issues urgent for Europe, such as the fight against racism and xenophobia, intercultural dialogue, development of democratic societies, strengthening the role of the CoE in the “European architecture” and others. To move forward these discussions and put them into practice, we closely on a daily, hourly basis cooperated with the CoE Secretary General, secretariat divisions, the PACE, Congress, Commissioner for Human Rights for six months, and we are grateful to them for moving forward our priorities and the continues support. Armenia during its chairmanship was working to strengthen the functions of the organization aimed at expanding the CoE productivity in overcoming the challenges of human rights and democracy threats.

Armenia’s chairmanship has its input in expanding the mutual relations of the CoE with different international and regional organizations which was aimed at enhancing the efficiency and coordination of activities between the organizations working in the same fields.  

One of the most discussed issues during the 126th session of the CoE Committee of Ministers in Sofia was how to provide human rights within the framework of conflicts. This is really an important initiative aimed at protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is natural that the CoE having an active role in this initiative, must be interested and make efforts to ensure that all its principles, common European values and the rights of individuals set by the European Convention on Human Rights to be spread on all people living in its influence zone regardless of their residence status. Human rights protection is a universal imperative which does not recognize national, state boundaries. In this regard, we appreciate such kind of initiatives to discuss the issue of human rights protection in the conflict zones, from which I will value the important views of the CoE Secretary General.

You should not underestimate the role of international organizations, especially that of the structures dealing with human rights issues for the people living in the conflict zones. Eventually, human rights universal protection and respect are put at the core of resolving many conflicts. In this regard, the Council of Europe should fulfill an important mission.

For years the Nagorno Karabakh people struggle for their right to life which in this case is possible in the fulfillment of the right to self-determination. I would like to state that the CoE supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group over the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict which was announced many times by the CoE Secretary General, Committee of Ministers.

In this context, I want to refer to destructive initiatives of some of the PACE MPs. Since I have had the opportunity to present our view, I will limit myself once again stressing that the only format which has an international mandate to settle the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, is the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, and the attempts of trying to remove the settlement process from that format can only hinder the negotiation process of the peaceful settlement of the conflict. Three OSCE Minsk Group chairing countries also spoke about this real damage.  

The Council of Europe today never than before should fight against xenophobia, discrimination and propaganda of hatred, the human rights violations, and be consistent with all such cases that put in damage and challenge its fundamental values which can play a preventive role in further escalation of the situations and new crisis.

Human rights violations in our neighboring Middle East once more prove that the international community should take more uncompromising fight against such manifestations. They violate people’s right to live which are set in human rights fundamental documents, including the European Convention on Human Rights. In this context, we appreciate the visit of the CoE Secretary General’s to Armenia last year and his participation in “Crime against Genocide” second global forum related to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, where he made a speech. In its turn, the PACE issued a statement over the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide to which nearly 200 MPs joined.

Fifteen years of Armenia’s membership to the Council of Europe were marked by the close cooperation with the CoE in reforms carried out in our country and in the works aimed at adopting the European values, as well as by the active and productive involvement of Armenia in structures of the organization.

I am convinced that the traditions of these productive cooperation will continue to strengthen and expand”.