US $15m for CE Action Plan for Armenia 2012-2014

During its 11-year membership in the Council of Europe (CE) Armenia has acceded to six agreements.The country has also actively worked with the CE Venice Commission, Ms Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, CE Project Manager, said at a conference on the CE Action Plan for Armenia 2012-2014.She pointed out a number of legislative reforms in Armenia in recent years, which in involve both human rights protection and in election law, as well as Armenia's Constitution.Although serious work has been done, more can yet be done to promote European values. The Action Plan was elaborated with due regard for the results of consultations with Armenia's government and domestic problems, Ms Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni said.She stressed that Armenia must respect the verdicts returned by the European Court, which will cause domestic reforms.Of importance is also corruption control, reforms in Armenia's penitentiary and local government systems. Justice must be available to all the citizens. M any of the 47 CE member-states still have to implement relevant reforms. In this context, the CE official pointed out the unavailability of justice to socially vulnerable sections of population because they are unaware of their rights.Ms Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni said that the implementation of the CE Action Plan for Armenia 2012-2014 requires US $15m. A third of the amount is available, and 1/3 was to be procured during the conference. Next year the necessary amount will be provided, she said.Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian participated in the conference. He noted that Armenia is intensifying its steps toward integration with Europe. Since it gained independence 20 years ago, Armenia has become a country where democracy and human rights are an integral part of the government's policy.In this context, Armenia attaches high importance to cooperation with the OSCE within the CE, as well as with the European Union (EU). Armenia is determined to implement reforms to enhance the government system's efficiency and resolve social problems, the Armenian FM said.   Read more... (319 words)

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