Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Gianni Buquicchio, President of the Council of Europe Venice Commission (European Commission for Democracy through Law) in Strasbourg.

Welcoming Nikol Pashinyan, the President of the Venice Commission said he was pleased to meet with the Prime Minister of Armenia in Strasbourg and discuss cooperation issues.

Nikol Pashinyan and Gianni Buquicchio referred to the early parliamentary elections held in Armenia last December. The President of the Venice Commission noted that free and fair early parliamentary elections had been held in accordance with the best international standards.

Appreciating the ongoing cooperation with the Venice Commission, the Prime Minister highlighted the role played by CoE monitoring bodies, including the Venice Commission, in promoting his government’s reform program. The Premier said Armenia is pushing ahead along the path of democracy by improving its judicial system, protecting human rights and developing civil society. Democracy is an inner conviction and fundamental value for our society.

During the meeting, reference was made to the reform of the Electoral Code and the ongoing legislative improvements. The Prime Minister noted that the new government enjoys the full support of the people of Armenia and has been mandated to undertake ambitious and serious reforms in all areas of political and social life.

Nikol Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to European values, stressing that his government will do everything possible to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights, build an independent judiciary, fight against corruption and conduct free, fair and transparent elections in the country. In this regard, Prime Minister Pashinyan stressed the importance of effective cooperation with the Venice Commission and personally with Mr. Buquicchio.

The President of the Venice Commission hailed the Armenian government’s reform program, including the improvement of the electoral legislation. Stressing the need to institutionalize electoral processes, he assured of his readiness to assist Armenia in this process.