José Manuel Barroso hopes to develop and strengthen relations with ArmeniaApril 10, 2008 - 20:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Mr José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission sent a congratulatory message to Mr Serzh Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Armenia. The message says, "Dear Mr President, On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to convey to you my congratulations on your election as the new President of the Republic of Armenia. The European Commission looks forward to continuing to develop and strengthen relations with your country in the context of the European Union-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan. Your government faces important challenges in promoting and implementing an agenda of political and economic reforms including the stabilisation of the democratic process and the dialogue among the different political forces and with civil society. I would like to underline that despite current internal difficulties in Armenia the European Commission stands ready to accompany your efforts to build a prosperous State respecting human rights and the rule of law while pursuing successful economic and social development policies. In this context, I hope your government will be able to further deepen democracy, notably in ensuring that electoral processes are held in full compliance with OSCE and other international standards for democratic elections. In this respect I trust that shortcomings identified by the 2008 International Election Observation Mission will be diligently addressed. I assure you of my personal interest in all these undertakings." 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |