McAllister: EU encourages reforms of Electoral Code of Armenia based  on proposals of the OSCE / ODIHR and the Venice Commission

ArmInfo. The delegation of the European Parlaiment has arrived in Armenia to study the situation on site, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European  Parliament David McAllister stated at today's press conference. 

According to him, the decision on an extraordinary visit to Armenia  was made two weeks ago. The fact that our delegation includes 9  people testifies to the importance that we attach to Armenia. We held  meetings with the Prime Minister of Armenia, the Foreign Minister,  MPs, representatives of civil society. I would like to emphasize that  we in the European Parliament have closely followed  the processes in  Armenia in April-May of this year and a peaceful resolution of the  situation, legally and without victims, the European MP said.

At the same time he stressed that during the meetings the issue of  how the new authorities of Armenia will bring the high expectations  of the people into life was discussed. According to him, the  government's program is very promising, but its practical  implementation is important. "We support reforms in your country,  such reforms, which will include both the opposition and  representatives of civil society." The EU does not support a  particular force or political figure in Armenia, but supports the  Armenian people as one and supports those who strengthen democratic  processes and the rule of law in the country, "McAlister said.

He also touched upon the elections, and stressed that the EU  encourages the reforms of the Electoral Code of Armenia, based on the  proposals of the OSCE / ODIHR and the Venice Commission. "This  decision is under the competence of the National Assembly." During  the parliamentary elections in April 2017, a number of violations and  omissions were recorded, including by our observation mission on  electoral bribes and pressure on voters. We hope that this practice  will be changed, we are ready to participate as observers in the next  elections, and we expect to receive an appropriate invitation from  the Armenian authorities, he said.

At the same time, he expressed assurance that people on the streets  in Armenia also had a clear idea on the fight against corruption, and  stressed that the EU promotes any efforts aimed at its eradication.  In this regard, the European Parliament welcomed the latest  investigations conducted in the country, and noted that these  operations should not have a political reasons. According to him,  Armenia also needs an independent judicial system. McAllister also  stressed that during the meetings in Yerevan they stressed the need  to amend the criminal and criminal procedural codes of the country.