EU Presidency statement on the parliamentary elections in Armenia

The Presidency of the European Union notes with satisfaction that the parliamentary elections held in Armenia on 12 May were, on the whole, conducted fairly, freely and largely in accordance with the international commitments which Armenia had entered into. The Presidency welcomes the fact that, compared to previous elections, significant progress has been made.

The Presidency also welcomes the fact that the parliamentary elections were observed and monitored closely and in a professional manner by a comprehensive ODIHR election observation mission and by delegations from the OSCE and Council of Europe Parliamentary Assemblies as well as of the European Parliament. The Presidency has taken note of the interim joint statement issued by these election observation missions on 13 May.

Looking ahead to the presidential elections due to be held at the beginning of 2008, the Presidency calls on Armenia to investigate and resolve the procedural problems which still exist, particularly those concerning vote-counting but also the isolated cases of irregularities which were observed.

The Presidency of the European Union is very much in favour of intensifying cooperation with Armenia. This would breathe new life into the European Neighbourhood Policy and the Action Plan agreed under it.