European Commission shares OSCE assessment of Armenia's presidential electionFebruary 22, 2008 - 14:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "I have taken note of the preliminary findings of the OSCE Election Observation Mission for the February 19 presidential elections in Armenia. I commend the people of Armenia and its leaders on the fact that these elections were conducted mostly in line with the country's international commitments," says a statement issued by European Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner on the conduct of presidential elections in Armenia."As the OSCE Election Observation Mission stated in its preliminary statement further improvements will be necessary to address remaining challenges, in particular strengthening of public confidence in the electoral process. At the same time it is important to note that considerable progress has been achieved with regard to the preparation and conduct of the electoral process since the last Presidential elections in 2003 thanks to reforms undertaken. Support for these reforms is a key priority of the EU/Armenia Action Plan under the European Neighborhood Policy. The European Commission will continue to assist Armenia on its path to political and economic reforms. The recent strengthening of the Commission presence in Yerevan through the opening of an EC Delegation is a clear sign of our ongoing commitment. I am confident that the new President of Armenia, together with the new government, will continue firmly on the path of reform, which is vital for the Armenian people as well as for the future of our relationship," Mr. Ferrero-Waldner said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |