Likelihood of sanctions imposed against Armenia by the Council of Europe depends on the viewpoint from which Armenia is considered, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg said at today’s press conference. The official commented on possible consequences Armenia will be faced with if it fails to implement provisions of the PACE resolution.

Hammarberg stressed that he is not competent to speak of sanctions. “Participating in the debates over governments’ activities I got an impression that the issue on sanctions against Armenia is not discussed,” the European official said. The issue on depriving the Armenian delegation of right to speak in PACE was also voiced. However, it will not be done as the government, but not a parliamentary delegation, should be punished for shortcomings. “Finally, there is the principle of separation of powers,” he said, stressing that he continues to focus attention on the existing problems.

”There is the Committee of Ministers, which is unlikely to be focused on sanctions. There is also a Commissioner for Human Rights who will publish a report and will follow implementation of the recommendations,” Hammarberg concluded.