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Re: Armenia and the information war
here is his speech but it says nothing bad about azerbaijan, they are again pulling xxxx out of there asses.
---------------------------------------
Mr. President:
Mr. Secretary General!
Dear Members of the Assembly!
First of all, I express my gratitude for the opportunity to appeal to the European audience with an authoritative platform of the Council of Europe - an organization that plays a key role in the establishment of democracy in Armenia.
Twenty years ago, in September 1991, Armenia declared its independence, reaching the dreams of many ages and generations, and once again adhering to a community of sovereign states. Ten years later, in 2001, Armenia became a member of the Council, reaffirming its historical, cultural family of European nations. And today I'm here mention these significant anniversaries with a sense of pride in the achievements of our people and the state over the past two decades.
My people have gone through all kinds of oppressive systems, and for that reason knows the price of freedom. The story of my people - is the story of creation and struggle. Freedom and peace - that is our age-old dream, and we are on the way of our dreams.
The people of Armenia made their historic and irreversible choice. The path that brings us back to Europe, not only has features that are natural, but also additional complexities that are not natural (for example, carried out against the Armenian artificial and illegal blockade by two of our neighbors). But with all these difficulties, our community knows what's going and why chose this path of development. We return to European civilization and cultural space in which there were for many centuries, from the very beginning.
Yes, the Council of Europe - the institutional embodiment of our shared values. His mission, he covers the entire continent, in fact, defining Europe as not only a geographical phenomenon, but primarily as a cultural and civilizational space of common values and identity.
At one time, my people dearly paid for what they professed values and ideas - the values and ideas that were alien to this historic juncture, in this region and, consequently, have been suppressed by the most brutal and horrific manner. Council of Europe, their existence confirms the covenant - never to admit on the European continent such developments.
In the past two decades, the Council of Europe has been and remains a key partner of Armenia in state building and the establishment of democracy. Some in Armenia even joke that in our country there are three elements of the political system: government, opposition and the Council of Europe. The joke, however, in reality reflects the greater involvement, which is the Council of Europe in the process of ongoing changes in our country.
Dear Colleagues,
In 2008, our country is faced with serious problems and challenges. The steps in the direction of the authorities to overcome the consequences of the tragic events of March we discussed in detail with all our partners, including from the Council of Europe. Sometimes we have serious disagreements and did not agree with the estimates of each other, but for the most part, we have benefited from these contacts, sensible advice and discussions. Without them it would be impossible to go forward after the March tragedy, avoiding a new confrontation and new disasters. Let me now address a word of respect and gratitude for the Co-Rapporteurs in Armenia Messrs. Prescott, Colombier, and Fisher, as well as Commissioner, Mr. Hammarberg, for their fruitful and consistent involvement.
The importance of continuity of the consolidation of democracy has been and remains deeply conscious belief and to the Armenian authorities. Even in moments of political crisis and democratic future for Armenia iota been questioned. This belief explains the logic of steps aimed at stimulating the country's sound political environment, which were made during the past three years and, in particular, in recent months. Such commitment also continues to be the core of the Armenian comprehensive and continuous reforms in all structures maintained in order to strengthen democracy.
We learn.
We learn to hear and respect each other's opinions.
Learning and perpetuate a step by step that the government and the opposition - not enemies, and not necessarily that strong, to show his strength, be sure to xxxxxle his counterpart.
We learn tolerance, thus creating a culture of dialogue.
Learning not to respond to insult and an affront to ask the opinion of many on major issues.
Learning to dignify and value the achievements of previous leaders, and are not ashamed listening to the sound criticism, to change the same decision.
We learn to live by different rules.
Society as a whole are learning.
In this room, for you, the representatives of the countries have deep democratic traditions, these are my words may seem somewhat self-evident, but I assure you, it really is very, very important process through which we are ready to go and which requires great effort and consistency. And we are ready for this, and do not miss the opportunity to make a move or utter a word in this direction.
Ladies and gentlemen!
Yes, we are proud of their achievements. For two decades, Armenia has carried out large-scale construction of democracy. Since its independence, and, in particular, in 2005, after the appropriate amendments to the Constitution, considerable work towards further establishing democracy, rule of law and human rights. Our country is seriously and irreversibly made its way of life consonant with the canons of democratic and liberal world. This process is extremely important for us was advisory, institutional and resource assistance to the Venice Commission, the various structures of the OSCE, and in the last period of the European Commission. A positive impact of the European Court of Human Rights - this unique supranational institution, there is now directly in our country.
The political crisis in 2008 revealed new vulnerabilities of our legal system, legislation and law enforcement, making step up our efforts. The result has been seriously revised legislation. Are fundamental systemic reforms in the police. Programa developed legal and judicial reforms for 2012-2014, which should really solve the primary task of guaranteeing the independence of courts. Made important changes to the articles of the Penal Code, relating to riots and violent seizure of power.
In order to guarantee freedom of assembly, completely revised the relevant law. The new law is based on an entirely different philosophy, based on the presumption of freedom of assembly, and not limitation. Under this law, the state guarantees the legitimate activities of all political and social forces.
Today in our state and political agenda is also the problem of a comprehensive review of all legislation to eliminate the risks of corruption and bureaucratic procedures. Have been established and successfully operate the Council for Combating Corruption and Anti-Corruption Monitoring Commission. Already adopted the law "On Public Service", which will provide for public declarations of assets and income of more than 600 senior public servants and persons related to them, to identify conflicts of interest and ensure compliance with ethical canons.
Serious work towards the improvement of the law "On Television and Radio." Passed a law dekriminalizuyuschy libel, which was a significant step forward for freedom of speech.
Our team of consultants with the active participation of the European Union is working to plan strategies to promote wide-ranging reforms over the next three years, resulting in one field in common and harmonized the process of change taking place in different areas.
We are determined to continue the matter and initiated the changes are well aware that the development of Armenia is not possible without further radical reforms, which will probably be no less painful than it was until now.
Ladies and gentlemen!
The main actor and challenging the power of our country are registered in progress is the people of Armenia. I rightfully proud of the maturity and balanced behavior of the Armenian community, principled approaches of civil society organizations. They provide the versatility and speed to play in fostering and preservation of fundamental democratic values: rights and verhovestva law. Today, in this pluralism, we build and develop our institutions and democracy.
It is obvious that in this way will be the first major harbor spring of next year, when held in Armenia next parliamentary elections in our country.
The Armenian authorities, the authorities of any other democratic state, clearly attached great importance to the role played by fair and transparent elections in the further development of the state. At the same time, ensure free and fair elections - not enough. It is also necessary that the election is so perceived by the public. From this point of view to clearly distinguish the adoption of new electoral code. I note that during the development of a new electoral code were reviewed all previous reports of the observer missions, and we believe that it will not only spend some really good choices, but also guarantees a full perception of the results of these elections by the public.
The Armenian authorities will spare no effort and energy to organize the elections in the best way, within the framework of the Constitution, laws, and our international obligations. We are grateful to the Council of Europe for its consistent support and advice to numerous structures in this area.
In this critical area, we will also cooperate with all concerned agencies of civil society in our country. We are ready to accept the advice and assistance to all our international partners are ready to use all existing mechanisms and create the most transparent opportunities for domestic and international election observation. The most important thing is that these upcoming elections are held in conditions of social harmony, that they have strengthened our achievements.
In the case of democracy and the ongoing reforms, we are not looking for short cuts. We are not looking for praise as the policy goals of the international community, as well as not trying to prove to anyone correctness of our path. Moreover, we are not trying to hide behind so-called 'objective' constraints, be it an unresolved conflict or neighbors, unable to normalize relations with us. I am confident, however, that, ultimately, what we do today, really durable. At the same time, we expect that both the Council and Assembly, will show a commensurate political correctness and use of the canons of fair and equal when assessing the Member States.
Ladies and gentlemen!
The most important question for us remains a peaceful and just settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh. Negotiations take place within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs of the countries we are grateful for the efforts displayed. It is very important that the President personally engaged in these countries the prospects of settlement. This is certainly encouraging.
More importantly, gives and must give the Council of Europe in this matter, I think you all agree - establishment of tolerance. From this point of view, we are with the pain and anxiety state that in the Council of Europe, there are still pockets of racism and intolerance.
More recently, a progress report on Azerbaijan, made by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, has reaffirmed that extreme anti-Armenian and racism that prevails in this country. For us this is painful, because it is difficult to imagine that in the country - a member of the Council of Europe may be a similar situation. Painful, because we have a clear vision of what the poison of intolerance causes the greatest harm is carrying the poison to society. But it also makes us worry, because:
- Azerbaijan - our immediate neighbor,
- In the immediate vicinity of us still remains unresolved Karabakh conflict
- We consider it necessary to move forward in the process of conflict resolution.
Two days later, a trilateral meeting of the Presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on the eve of a co-chair countries have made every effort to have finally fixed the basic principles of conflict resolution. We're talking about solving the problem by compromise. But in our case it turns out that we must compromise with those who are waiting for a convenient excuse to shoot at us. In this situation, anyone would be hard to convince the public of Armenia, Karabakh, the public, living there for centuries the indigenous people of Armenia, it is necessary to go to any concessions the country in which the Armenian nation and a rejection of the extreme racist.
Even in these circumstances, we considered important regional stability and development, the issue of a secure future growing in Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan generation, showing good will and constructive approach, go to Kazan, hoping for progress. But, of course, we all need to understand that the achievement of definitive agreements and their full realization is possible if Azerbaijan-Armenian manifestations disappear and racism, and will form an atmosphere of trust. Naturally can not be called into question over this right of the Karabakh people to live freely and safely to dispose of their own destiny in their own land.
In this respect, one can expect from the Council of Europe?
- In the first place - not to harm the process. Not fully informed discussion of its short-term effect give the parties an opportunity to tack on the issue of long-term solutions, which are formed in the negotiations taking place in the OSCE Minsk Group.
I am confident that the vast majority of our partners in PACE, when expressed, express or will express the wish to discuss any question relating to Karabakh, did it do or will do on the basis of empathy and goodwill. But at the same time we can not exclude the possibility of steps undertaken by a lack of comprehensive information that can actually do serious harm to the process. Therefore, I appeal to all of you upon request, to be a bit vigilant. And the desire not to harm should be a major indicator.
- Is it possible to help?
here is his speech but it says nothing bad about azerbaijan, they are again pulling xxxx out of there asses.
---------------------------------------
Mr. President:
Mr. Secretary General!
Dear Members of the Assembly!
First of all, I express my gratitude for the opportunity to appeal to the European audience with an authoritative platform of the Council of Europe - an organization that plays a key role in the establishment of democracy in Armenia.
Twenty years ago, in September 1991, Armenia declared its independence, reaching the dreams of many ages and generations, and once again adhering to a community of sovereign states. Ten years later, in 2001, Armenia became a member of the Council, reaffirming its historical, cultural family of European nations. And today I'm here mention these significant anniversaries with a sense of pride in the achievements of our people and the state over the past two decades.
My people have gone through all kinds of oppressive systems, and for that reason knows the price of freedom. The story of my people - is the story of creation and struggle. Freedom and peace - that is our age-old dream, and we are on the way of our dreams.
The people of Armenia made their historic and irreversible choice. The path that brings us back to Europe, not only has features that are natural, but also additional complexities that are not natural (for example, carried out against the Armenian artificial and illegal blockade by two of our neighbors). But with all these difficulties, our community knows what's going and why chose this path of development. We return to European civilization and cultural space in which there were for many centuries, from the very beginning.
Yes, the Council of Europe - the institutional embodiment of our shared values. His mission, he covers the entire continent, in fact, defining Europe as not only a geographical phenomenon, but primarily as a cultural and civilizational space of common values and identity.
At one time, my people dearly paid for what they professed values and ideas - the values and ideas that were alien to this historic juncture, in this region and, consequently, have been suppressed by the most brutal and horrific manner. Council of Europe, their existence confirms the covenant - never to admit on the European continent such developments.
In the past two decades, the Council of Europe has been and remains a key partner of Armenia in state building and the establishment of democracy. Some in Armenia even joke that in our country there are three elements of the political system: government, opposition and the Council of Europe. The joke, however, in reality reflects the greater involvement, which is the Council of Europe in the process of ongoing changes in our country.
Dear Colleagues,
In 2008, our country is faced with serious problems and challenges. The steps in the direction of the authorities to overcome the consequences of the tragic events of March we discussed in detail with all our partners, including from the Council of Europe. Sometimes we have serious disagreements and did not agree with the estimates of each other, but for the most part, we have benefited from these contacts, sensible advice and discussions. Without them it would be impossible to go forward after the March tragedy, avoiding a new confrontation and new disasters. Let me now address a word of respect and gratitude for the Co-Rapporteurs in Armenia Messrs. Prescott, Colombier, and Fisher, as well as Commissioner, Mr. Hammarberg, for their fruitful and consistent involvement.
The importance of continuity of the consolidation of democracy has been and remains deeply conscious belief and to the Armenian authorities. Even in moments of political crisis and democratic future for Armenia iota been questioned. This belief explains the logic of steps aimed at stimulating the country's sound political environment, which were made during the past three years and, in particular, in recent months. Such commitment also continues to be the core of the Armenian comprehensive and continuous reforms in all structures maintained in order to strengthen democracy.
We learn.
We learn to hear and respect each other's opinions.
Learning and perpetuate a step by step that the government and the opposition - not enemies, and not necessarily that strong, to show his strength, be sure to xxxxxle his counterpart.
We learn tolerance, thus creating a culture of dialogue.
Learning not to respond to insult and an affront to ask the opinion of many on major issues.
Learning to dignify and value the achievements of previous leaders, and are not ashamed listening to the sound criticism, to change the same decision.
We learn to live by different rules.
Society as a whole are learning.
In this room, for you, the representatives of the countries have deep democratic traditions, these are my words may seem somewhat self-evident, but I assure you, it really is very, very important process through which we are ready to go and which requires great effort and consistency. And we are ready for this, and do not miss the opportunity to make a move or utter a word in this direction.
Ladies and gentlemen!
Yes, we are proud of their achievements. For two decades, Armenia has carried out large-scale construction of democracy. Since its independence, and, in particular, in 2005, after the appropriate amendments to the Constitution, considerable work towards further establishing democracy, rule of law and human rights. Our country is seriously and irreversibly made its way of life consonant with the canons of democratic and liberal world. This process is extremely important for us was advisory, institutional and resource assistance to the Venice Commission, the various structures of the OSCE, and in the last period of the European Commission. A positive impact of the European Court of Human Rights - this unique supranational institution, there is now directly in our country.
The political crisis in 2008 revealed new vulnerabilities of our legal system, legislation and law enforcement, making step up our efforts. The result has been seriously revised legislation. Are fundamental systemic reforms in the police. Programa developed legal and judicial reforms for 2012-2014, which should really solve the primary task of guaranteeing the independence of courts. Made important changes to the articles of the Penal Code, relating to riots and violent seizure of power.
In order to guarantee freedom of assembly, completely revised the relevant law. The new law is based on an entirely different philosophy, based on the presumption of freedom of assembly, and not limitation. Under this law, the state guarantees the legitimate activities of all political and social forces.
Today in our state and political agenda is also the problem of a comprehensive review of all legislation to eliminate the risks of corruption and bureaucratic procedures. Have been established and successfully operate the Council for Combating Corruption and Anti-Corruption Monitoring Commission. Already adopted the law "On Public Service", which will provide for public declarations of assets and income of more than 600 senior public servants and persons related to them, to identify conflicts of interest and ensure compliance with ethical canons.
Serious work towards the improvement of the law "On Television and Radio." Passed a law dekriminalizuyuschy libel, which was a significant step forward for freedom of speech.
Our team of consultants with the active participation of the European Union is working to plan strategies to promote wide-ranging reforms over the next three years, resulting in one field in common and harmonized the process of change taking place in different areas.
We are determined to continue the matter and initiated the changes are well aware that the development of Armenia is not possible without further radical reforms, which will probably be no less painful than it was until now.
Ladies and gentlemen!
The main actor and challenging the power of our country are registered in progress is the people of Armenia. I rightfully proud of the maturity and balanced behavior of the Armenian community, principled approaches of civil society organizations. They provide the versatility and speed to play in fostering and preservation of fundamental democratic values: rights and verhovestva law. Today, in this pluralism, we build and develop our institutions and democracy.
It is obvious that in this way will be the first major harbor spring of next year, when held in Armenia next parliamentary elections in our country.
The Armenian authorities, the authorities of any other democratic state, clearly attached great importance to the role played by fair and transparent elections in the further development of the state. At the same time, ensure free and fair elections - not enough. It is also necessary that the election is so perceived by the public. From this point of view to clearly distinguish the adoption of new electoral code. I note that during the development of a new electoral code were reviewed all previous reports of the observer missions, and we believe that it will not only spend some really good choices, but also guarantees a full perception of the results of these elections by the public.
The Armenian authorities will spare no effort and energy to organize the elections in the best way, within the framework of the Constitution, laws, and our international obligations. We are grateful to the Council of Europe for its consistent support and advice to numerous structures in this area.
In this critical area, we will also cooperate with all concerned agencies of civil society in our country. We are ready to accept the advice and assistance to all our international partners are ready to use all existing mechanisms and create the most transparent opportunities for domestic and international election observation. The most important thing is that these upcoming elections are held in conditions of social harmony, that they have strengthened our achievements.
In the case of democracy and the ongoing reforms, we are not looking for short cuts. We are not looking for praise as the policy goals of the international community, as well as not trying to prove to anyone correctness of our path. Moreover, we are not trying to hide behind so-called 'objective' constraints, be it an unresolved conflict or neighbors, unable to normalize relations with us. I am confident, however, that, ultimately, what we do today, really durable. At the same time, we expect that both the Council and Assembly, will show a commensurate political correctness and use of the canons of fair and equal when assessing the Member States.
Ladies and gentlemen!
The most important question for us remains a peaceful and just settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh. Negotiations take place within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs of the countries we are grateful for the efforts displayed. It is very important that the President personally engaged in these countries the prospects of settlement. This is certainly encouraging.
More importantly, gives and must give the Council of Europe in this matter, I think you all agree - establishment of tolerance. From this point of view, we are with the pain and anxiety state that in the Council of Europe, there are still pockets of racism and intolerance.
More recently, a progress report on Azerbaijan, made by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, has reaffirmed that extreme anti-Armenian and racism that prevails in this country. For us this is painful, because it is difficult to imagine that in the country - a member of the Council of Europe may be a similar situation. Painful, because we have a clear vision of what the poison of intolerance causes the greatest harm is carrying the poison to society. But it also makes us worry, because:
- Azerbaijan - our immediate neighbor,
- In the immediate vicinity of us still remains unresolved Karabakh conflict
- We consider it necessary to move forward in the process of conflict resolution.
Two days later, a trilateral meeting of the Presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on the eve of a co-chair countries have made every effort to have finally fixed the basic principles of conflict resolution. We're talking about solving the problem by compromise. But in our case it turns out that we must compromise with those who are waiting for a convenient excuse to shoot at us. In this situation, anyone would be hard to convince the public of Armenia, Karabakh, the public, living there for centuries the indigenous people of Armenia, it is necessary to go to any concessions the country in which the Armenian nation and a rejection of the extreme racist.
Even in these circumstances, we considered important regional stability and development, the issue of a secure future growing in Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan generation, showing good will and constructive approach, go to Kazan, hoping for progress. But, of course, we all need to understand that the achievement of definitive agreements and their full realization is possible if Azerbaijan-Armenian manifestations disappear and racism, and will form an atmosphere of trust. Naturally can not be called into question over this right of the Karabakh people to live freely and safely to dispose of their own destiny in their own land.
In this respect, one can expect from the Council of Europe?
- In the first place - not to harm the process. Not fully informed discussion of its short-term effect give the parties an opportunity to tack on the issue of long-term solutions, which are formed in the negotiations taking place in the OSCE Minsk Group.
I am confident that the vast majority of our partners in PACE, when expressed, express or will express the wish to discuss any question relating to Karabakh, did it do or will do on the basis of empathy and goodwill. But at the same time we can not exclude the possibility of steps undertaken by a lack of comprehensive information that can actually do serious harm to the process. Therefore, I appeal to all of you upon request, to be a bit vigilant. And the desire not to harm should be a major indicator.
- Is it possible to help?
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