AGO GROUP APPRECIATES ARMENIAN PRESIDENT READINESS TO PROTECT NEW CONSTITUTION

PanARMENIAN.Net - After my latest visit to Armenia in November 2004 progress is evident in the country - basically owing to the Venice Commission, stated AGO Group leader, German permanent representative for the CE Roland Wegener in the course of a joint news conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian. In his words, it is important for all decisions over constitutional amendments be passed jointly with the opposition. «We hope for the coalition and the opposition to act together when the bill is submitted for discussion in the second reading and this will open a new democratic page in the country's history,» Wegener stated. He appreciated Armenian President R. Kocharian's readiness to protect the Constitution and convince the people it is the best decision for the country. As noted by Wegener, the President had stated it in the course of a meeting with the German permanent representative for the CE. When answering a question on the possible consequences if the Constitution is not passed resulting from a referendum, Wegener said, «I suppose the returns will be positive.» At that he mentioned types of questions that need further revision. Thus, the first is the question of securing the balance between the three branches of power, independence of courts, as well as introduction of election of the Yerevan Mayor. He also thanked the Armenian FM for providing information on latest developments and prospects of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.