Council of Europe hopes for fair presidential elections in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - "The Council of Europe will keep on cooperating with Armenia for its further integration into European structures," Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis said at a meeting with students of Yerevan State University.



"New opportunities are provided for greater democratization of the Armenian society," he said.



"Armenia has worked a long way during recent 6 years but it's not enough to completely meet European standards. The adoption of reviewed Constitution was a step forward. Election of Mayor of Yerevan via a popular vote and expansion of local self-government authority are the main achievements here," he said.



"However, there are minuses as well. The leadership and opposition fail to establish a culture of dialogue. You should strengthen struggle against corruption and fix a provision on alternative military service in the legislation," Mr Davis said.



When touching upon the 2008 presidential elections, he voiced hope that the elections will be free and fair.