I congratulate Armenia on declaration of amnesty and release of political prisoners, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Yagland told a joint press conference with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan in Strasbourg, Armenian News-NEWS.am reports.

He stressed Sargsyan informed him of the ongoing reforms in Armenia and the dialogue with the opposition. “We also discussed the CoE’s contribution to these processes,” Yagland said, adding Armenia is an important member of the Council of Europe and plays an important role in the region.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am reported earlier, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan appealed to the parliament offering to declare an amnesty on the occasion of 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

Chief editor of “Haykakan Zhananak” newspaper Nikol Pashinyan and former MP Sasun Mikaelyan, who were convicted for their involvement in Armenia’s capital on March 1, 2008 events.