“When we talk about strengthening democracy, firm implanting of the European standards, these are not just slogans or idle words meant for other audiences. It is Armenia which needs them foremost, not Europe,” Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated at a convention on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA).

“This is our conscious course and our conviction. European democracy and rule of law are demands of our society, confirmed firmly on many occasions - at the elections, in criticizing the political forces, or in encouraging the same forces.

“The European standards - from the produce displayed in the shop window and up to the state and legal structure, must become exemplary for us. Today, the issue of becoming a full member of the European Union is not yet on our foreign policy agenda, however I would like to repeat that the European rules of the game and European standards must take roots in our country because these are high and time-tested standards. We need these standards to make considerable progress, to change lives of our citizens and to build up the organizational strength of our society.

“There is no discrepancy between this reality and Armenia’s being the CIS and CSTO member and Russia’s strategic partner. Our close and multifaceted, I would say in many instances exemplary cooperation with the Russian Federation can not disagree with the values which are proclaimed by Russia itself. Furthermore, I am confident that our friends – Russia, the West, and all others, will be only happy for our success,” the Armenian leader said.