Armenia, EU share views on Karabakh conflict

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met with President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy on March 6 during his visit to Brussels.

The parties touched upon the process of Karabakh conflict settlement during the meeting, according to the presidential press service.

“Statements on Karabakh conflict resolution are more than welcome; they again confirm the fact that Armenia and the international community, including the European Council, share common positions. We have repeatedly stated that the people of Nagorno Karabakh are part of the European family and bear the same values. Armenia has always stressed the need for direct contacts with authorities of Nagorno Karabakh,” the President said.

He also informed that the parties touched upon cooperation in the human rights sphere which saw certain development over the past years. “Dialogue between the European Council and Armenia on human rights takes place for the third time already; the meetings were universally estimated to have taken place in an open and constructive atmosphere. Such approach provides mutual opportunities to discuss a range of issues both parties are interested in, as well as discuss prospects of specific cooperation in the field of human rights protection.”

“The upcoming parliamentary elections were also on the meeting agenda. I noted that the Armenian authorities are really determined to organize and hold the elections due in May 2012 in compliance with international criteria. We are fully committed to implement comprehensive reforms in our country with new vigor. In this context, organization of free and fair elections has major importance. I am grateful to you for an interesting conversation, and we look forward to welcoming you in Yerevan,” the Armenian leader concluded.