YEREVAN. – The fifteenth anniversary of Armenia’s Council of Europe (CoE) membership was marked Saturday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. Also, the start was announced to the CoE 2015-2018 Action Plan for Armenia.

“Armenia carries out ongoing reforms,” Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said in his remarks at the event. “And in this regard, we are thankful to the Council of Europe for the permanent assistance in this process.

“Over the course of these fifteen years, Armenia has become an indivisible part and active player of the council of Europe, its various organizations.

“Armenia is determined to continue its active engagement within the framework of the Council of Europe.”

Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, for her part, stressed that Armenia’s commitment to peace and the democratic security of Europe is greatly appreciated by the CoE and its member countries.

She emphasized that the success of the reforms, which were implemented during the fifteen years of Armenia’s CoE membership, are apparent and impressive. 

As per Battaini-Dragoni, the Armenian authorities have strengthened human rights and the rule of law in the country.

Also, the CoE Deputy Secretary General reflected on the reforms to be implemented in Armenia, and stressed the CoE readiness to assist them.

In addition, the CoE official highly praised the judicial reform which Armenia has implemented.

Furthermore, Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni pointed to Armenia’s successful Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the (CoE), in 2013.

Prior to this event, FM Edward Nalbandian met with Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General  Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni.