YEREVAN. - U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills on Thursday visited the central headquarters of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA).

RPA Deputy Chairman Armen Ashotyan, RPA Executive body members Samvel Nikoyan, Gagik Minasyan and Ruben Tadevosyan attended the meeting.

Welcoming the guests, Nikoyan stressed: “Let me first thank the American people and Government for the support to the consistent development and establishment of democratic institutions in Armenia. In particular, for the proper and fully-fledged organization of the upcoming parliamentary elections corresponding to the Electoral Code.”

Ashotyan, for his part, noted: “The Republican Party attaches great importance to the lawful process of elections—creation of favorable conditions for free expression of will for all citizens, the competitive nature of elections and justice. As a ruling force, we value not only the result, but the quality of electoral processes: democracy is the strategic depth of our country and one of the most important factors ensuring the potential of the statehood. We expect from our international partners unbiased and equal approach to all the participating forces.”

Ambassador Mills, for his part, noted that he is pleased to start the meetings with political parties and alliances, which have been nominated for the upcoming parliamentary elections. According to him, these elections are pivotal for the continuation of democratic and prosperous Armenia’s development. He also stressed that the international community, including the U.S. Government, closely watches the elections, namely what will happen in the polling stations on the election day, as well as what will happen outside the polling stations and before the elections. Furthermore, the Ambassador encouraged all the participating forces to carry out a serious problem-oriented campaign. The people in Armenia deserve this, he added.

The sides also discussed the preparatory process of elections, peculiarities of campaign organization and a number of other issues.