Distinguished Deputy Secretary General,
Dear colleagues, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am happy to welcome you and Mrs. Battaini-Dragoni at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the official launch of the Council of Europe 2015-2018 Action Plan for Armenia and the 15th Anniversary of Armenia’s accession to the Council of Europe.

First of all, I would like to emphasize, that the support of the Council of Europe to the reforms in Armenia has an important place in our multifaceted relations with the organization. Armenia implements continuous reforms to advance democratic values, to strengthen the protection of human rights and to guarantee the rule of law. In this regard we are grateful to the Council of Europe for its constant support.

The Action Plan we are launching today is the logical continuation of the reforms implemented between 2012 and 2014 with the support of the Council of Europe and, specifically, focuses on the issues of ensuring justice, rule of law and democratic governance. Just like the previous Action Plan, the current version also enjoys the backing of the European Union. In this regard I would like to express a sincere gratitude to our EU colleagues.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year marks the 15th Anniversary of Armenia’s accession to the Council of Europe. I am confident that both Armenia and the Council of Europe consider these past one and a half decades as a period of effective cooperation in developing our relations and building a better democracy. During these 15 years Armenia has become an inseparable and vibrant participant of the Council of Europe and its various bodies.

In 2003 Armenia assumed the Chairmanship of the Ministerial Committee of the Council of Europe. Organization of 13 large international conferences, high-level visits, the opening for signatures of the Protocols 15 and 16 of the ECHR etc. We can register, and it’s been noted by the Secretary General, as well, that the Armenian Chairmanship was a success.

Armenia is committed to continuing its active cooperation with the Council of Europe.

I would like to pass the floor now to the Deputy Secretary General, Madame Battaini-Dragoni.