The meeting of the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić
17 June, 2022
On June 17, Foriegn Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić and the delegation headed by her. The meeting was held in tête-à-tête, and then in enlarged format.
Ararat Mirzoyan welcomed the first visit of Marija Pejčinović Burić first time in the capacity of the Secretary General of CoE, emphasizing its importance in terms of evaluating process and achievements of the 20 years of the cooperation between Armenia-CoE and envisaging the future joint actions.
Touching upon the democratic reforms implemented by the Government of Armenia, Minister Mirzoyan noted that Armenia is persistent in strengthening democratic institutions, protection of human rights and fight against corruption, ensuring the rule of law and implementing reforms in the judicial sphere, highlighting in this context the CoE as a key international partner-organization.
Both sides emphasized the importance of the Action Plan for Armenia implemented in the framework of cooperation with the Council of Europe, as well as its continuation aimed at supporting Armenia’s efforts in the above-mentioned areas.
During the meeting, the sides touched upon regional security and stability issues. Presenting Armenia’s position on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Foreign Minister stressed that a comprehensive and lasting settlement to the conflict can be reached only within the framework of a format with the relevant international mandate – the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship.
Reference was also made to the humanitarian consequences resulting from the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh. Ararat Mirzoyan highly valued the initiatives of the CoE Human Rights Commissioner on the humanitarian consequences of the 44-day war and the adoption of a relevant PACE resolution. Ensuring unimpeded access of international organizations to Nagorno-Karabakh was emphasized.
The Foreign Minister stressed the need for repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war illegally held in Azerbaijan and prevention of the policy of destruction and distortion of the identity of Armenian cultural heritage in the territories fallen under Azerbaijani control, as well as the need for continuous targeted efforts of partner countries and organizations in this regard.
Ararat Mirzoyan also considered unacceptable the Armenophobic and belligerent rhetoric of the Azerbaijani authorities and the acts of physical and psychological intimidation against the civilian population of Artsakh, and expressed hope that the Council of Europe would show more determination and consistency in protecting the fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh.
Following the meeting, Ararat Mirzoyan and Marija Pejčinović Burić participated in the redemption ceremony of a Memo envelope dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s accession in the Council of Europe.
Following the meeting, the Foreign Minister of Armenia and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe came up with press statements.
The day before, Marija Pejčinović Burić visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the memory of the Genocide victims.
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