Blockade of Armenian border by Turkey unacceptable to Europe

PanARMENIAN.Net - Today Armenian PM Andranik Margaryan met with President of the CE Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Giovanni di Stasi, reported the Press service of the Government of Armenia. Positively evaluating the CE-Armenia cooperation for almost 10 years in forming local self-government bodies and control, A. Margaryan said the mutually favorable cooperation would further continue. He welcomed Giovanni di Stasi's visit to Armenia, especially that election of local government bodies is held in Armenia observed by the Congress monitoring mission. Giovanni di Stasi emphasized that notable improvement is registered in the field: the percentage of population participation is growing, the government and society acquire some experience in forming democratic institutions. Speaking of constitutional amendments, the CE Congress President underscored the importance of establishment of election of Yerevan Mayor. Giovanni di Stasi expressed readiness to promote Armenia in fulfilling the demands of the Charter on Local Self-Government Armenia had ratified in 2003. The parties also discussed regional cooperation at their meeting. Margaryan emphasized Armenia is for active cooperation in the South Caucasus and will continue efforts in this respect. In his turn Giovanni di Stasi considered the blockade of the Armenian border by Turkey unacceptable. He highlighted the idea of formation of regional center for local government bodies. In his opinion, it will promote establishment of economic, social and cultural cooperation between them. Welcoming the idea the Armenian PM expressed readiness to support initiatives that would held solve common regional problems. Mr. Margaryan also welcomed the Transborder Cooperation in Europe conference opening in Yerevan October 5.