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In the context of the third part of the 2024 session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), MEP Mr. George Loucaides spoke yesterday at the plenary session of the House on behalf of the Political Group of the European United Left on the issue of Armenia's compliance with its obligations and commitments towards the Council of Europe (CoE).
In his intervention, Mr. Loucaides expressed the hope that Armenia will leave the CoE monitoring process as soon as possible, provided that it continues to demonstrate the same commitment and dedication to the implementation of its ambitious reform programme. These achievements, he said, are particularly commendable considering the difficult and hostile international environment and the deteriorating situation in Nagorno Karabakh due to Azerbaijan's aggression. The reforms that have been wheeled out, Mr. Loucaides stressed, address all the issues raised during the monitoring process, on the basis of a dynamic and fruitful cooperation with the CoE, including with the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission).
Loucaides said that, as evidenced by the last three electoral processes, Armenia has largely modified its electoral system to bring it in line with its international obligations and CoE standards. However, he pointed out, further improvements in electoral legislation to establish consistency, stability and confidence in democratic institutions are necessary. The remaining corrective measures, the Cypriot MP said, including those recommendations of the Venice Commission that have not yet been implemented, should be taken forward through a holistic reform, particularly as regards the regulation of the financing of political parties and the management of public funds.
Loucaides also noted the improvements achieved in relation to the independence of the judiciary and the composition of the Supreme Judicial Council. He praised the abolition of the criminalisation of defamation and welcomed the measures taken to ensure the diversity and pluralism of the media and freedom of expression. At the same time, the MP stressed that greater efforts were needed to address the strong polarisation that characterises political life in the country. Relations between the government and the opposition, he said, should be normalised, and consensus should be sought between political forces on the most important public appointments. In democracy, Loukaides said, all voices should be heard, thus achieving the strengthening of democratic institutions and tolerance of opposing views.
Loucaides highlighted the difficult conditions faced by the Armenian authorities as a result of Azerbaijan's military intervention in Nagorno Karabakh last October. He underlined that the policy of ethnic cleansing implemented by Azerbaijan forced more than 100,000 Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh to leave their ancestral homes, causing consequently a chain of economic and humanitarian repercussions in Armenia. Finally, he noted that the Armenian authorities responded promptly and adequately to the massive influx of refugees from Nagorno Karabakh, providing the affected people with shelter, food and employment opportunities for their decent living in the country.
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