Statement On the Latest Developments in Armenia as delivered by Ambassador Arman Kirakossian, Permanent Representative of Armenia, at the 1185rd Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

10 May, 2018

Statement On the Latest Developments in Armenia as delivered by Ambassador Arman Kirakossian, Permanent Representative of Armenia, at the 1185^rd Meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

May 10, 2018

Mr. Chairman,

In follow up to the statement delivered by the Delegation of Armenia on April 26 at the Permanent Council, we would like to update the Permanent Council on the latest developments in Armenia.

As it was referred in our statement, on April 25 President Armen Sarkissian launched inclusive political consultations and dialogue among stakeholders to find ways to move forward with regard to the formation of a new Government. It was stressed that there was a clear consensus among all stakeholders that all issues should be addressed within the Constitutional framework.

In line with the legislation, the National Assembly of Armenia convened two special sessions wherein the election of the new Prime Minister was considered. As a result, on May 8 the National Assembly elected, the leader of the opposition Nikol Pashinyan as Prime Minister and at the same day the President of Armenia confirmed the decision of the Parliament.

Thus, the democratic movement, which enjoyed unequivocal support of the people of Armenia, achieved its landmark outcome.

We have already had an opportunity to present the actions of the Armenian authorities to uphold all fundamental freedoms including rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Now let me add that along with those fundamental freedoms, Armenia, its duty bearers and right holders, upheld and realized one of most important rights-the right of people to take part in the Government.

It is important to note that all those rights were realized in peaceful and non-violent manner in line and within the Constitutional framework of Armenia. The popular movement which was defined by its leader Nikol Pashinyan as “revolution of love and tolerance” did not divide but unite the people of Armenia.

Armenia has emerged from this challenge with a clear societal consensus on democracy, good governance and human rights. This consensus reinforces already existing one on the foreign policy and the peaceful resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the Armenian people are united today in achieving their national aspirations as never before.

In concluding, I would like again to thank all our international partners for their impartial and balanced attitude, which helped the people of Armenia to open up new page in the development of their democracy and statehood.

Thank you

MFA RA
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