Mediamax Exclusive interview with Ambassador Raul de Luzenberger, Head of the EU Delegation in Armenia

- Ambassador de Luzenberger, how would you assess the decision of the Armenian Parliament to grant amnesty on the occasion of 20th anniversary of Independence?

- I would like to join my voice to that of the PACE co-rapporteurs, Mr. Prescott and Mr. Fischer, in welcoming this initiative of the President and National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. 

This amnesty will result in the release of the last remaining persons that are still in prison in relation to the events of March 2008 and therefore meets one of the key EU requests formulated in the immediate aftermath of the March 2008 events and reiterated many times afterwards. 

- How would you comment on the recent development of the political situation in Armenia?

- In a recent statement in the framework of the Permanent OSCE Council, the EU has taken note of recent positive political developments in Armenia notably with regard to freedom of Assembly and the release of persons jailed after the March 2008 events. The EU welcomed the fact that permission was granted to opposition forces to hold rallies in Liberty Square on 28 April and 31 May.

The EU also welcomed President Sargsyan’s statement of 20 April in which he called for a more meticulous investigation into the violent events of March 2008 and expressed its belief that a thorough investigation of events will help Armenia to truly move on.

I am also encouraged by the intention of the Armenian National Congress to enter into political dialogue with the Authorities.

Overall, this marks a new phase of more relaxed and constructive political competition. This is especially important in view of forthcoming Parliamentary elections in 2012 and Presidential elections in 2013.

- How would you assess recent changes introduced to the Armenian Electoral Code?

- I regret that between ruling majority and opposition it was not possible to find a constructive compromise on the changes to be introduced to the electoral code. It would have been important to find this consensus given the importance of creating trust in the electoral process among all key players and the electorate.

Nonetheless the law contains important changes. Even more important, however, will be the future implementation of the law and of the electoral process.

The EU attaches great importance to a fair conduct of forthcoming elections. During their recent visits Commissioner Fule and President of the European Parliament Buzek made clearly this point and called for the full implementation of all recommendations contained in the ODIHR/CoE report on 2007 and 2008 elections in Armenia.

The EU is ready to assist Armenia in improving the conduct of elections and we have prepared in this regard a project together with the OSCE and ODIHR that will be launched in the near future.

- Ambassador, taking a broader view, how do you assess the reforms in Armenia in recent months?

- In recent years, through political dialogue and with the support of the EU Advisory Group, we have assisted Armenia in its reform efforts. There are now clear signals that Armenia is moving into implementation of this programme. I am particularly encouraged by the ongoing changes in the Ministry of Justice, in the Police, in the field of Food Security and in the e-governance sector.

Serious changes in the Notary system, in the administration of Justice and in law enforcement bodies are essential to attract EU Foreign Direct Investments to Armenia and are also important in relation to future Visa facilitation and readmission agreements to be concluded between Armenia and the EU. A sound system of controls for food security in Armenia, free from corruption and political influence, is essential in guaranteeing the health of the Armenian consumers and in opening the internal EU market to Armenian products.

The establishment of an extensive e-governance system is important to facilitate the interface between citizens and the public administration, and it is also essential in reducing corruption. In this regard I point to the importance of the legislation on conflict of interest, developed with support of the EU Advisory Group, in improving transparency and fighting against corruption. It is essential that this legislation is passed and that similar provisions are extended also to Members of Parliament.

Overall, much remains to be done and I encourage the Armenian government to move ahead with reforms irrespective of the electoral phase. I do not believe that Armenia can afford waiting the conclusion of its extensive electoral cycle before pushing forward with reforms. From what I can see and hear in all my frequent contacts at all level of your society, people want real change.