RA Vice-Premier, Minister of Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan held a meeting October 18 with a delegation of the CE Congress of Local and Regional Authorities Ian Micallef.

The press service of the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration informed NEWS.am that the sides discussed bilateral cooperation in local government. Minister Gevorgyan pointed out that the sides will focus on such issue as selecting the most effective model and communities’ financial potential, which implies greater responsibility and authority of local government bodies. A concept of enlarging communities and forming inter-community associations has been elaborated. Also, a bill of financial leveling is under discussion.

Mr. Ian Micallef pointed out that Arenia can view the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities as its partner in further reforms. The country may benefit from the Congress’ experience. He informed Minister Gevorgyan of the reforms within the Congress, which is focusing its activities on local democracy and human rights. A monitoring report on each member-state will be prepared once in three years. The report on Armenia is to be prepared in 2012.

The sides also discussed the latest elections to the Yerevan municipal council, which proved a serious step forward in forming local democracy.

The sides emphasized Armenia’s further cooperation with the Congress and made a high appraisal of the Armenian delegation’s activities.

The delegation of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities arrived in Armenia to participate in the conference Democracy in Europe – Principles and Challenges, to be held in Yerevan on Oct, 19-21.