EU Ambassador sees no tendency of weakening judiciary in Armenia
Posted on July. 26. 2019
Yerevan /Mediamax/. Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski has concluded his diplomatic mission to Armenia at a press conference today.
Mediamax presents several noteworthy remarks by the ambassador.
Good partnership
The years I have worked in Armenia have been years of really productive cooperation. I consider them very satisfying.
What happened in Armenia last year was very important. We witnessed very positive things that should be preserved and built on.
Armenia secured an unprecedented level of development of democracy, particularly at the last elections.
“The sense of impunity is gone”
Armenia adopted a very clear stance on the fight against corruption and demonstrated political will, which is a necessary condition. It is good to see that Armenia is following up on that by creating an institutional and legislative foundation.
In general, the sense of impunity in Armenia is gone. It is important that regular citizens have gotten rid of the feeling that some people are above the law.
Judicial reforms
The European Union is inclined to assist Armenia with the efforts aimed at creating independent, clean, spotless, productive judiciary.
We are ready to provide political and financial assistance, as well as consulting.
Given the discussions I have had so far with the Armenian side, I see no reason to worry there might be a tendency for weakening the judicial power in Armenia.
The concept of independence was overweighing at the meetings. Another stage of discussions on judicial reforms will begin in the autumn.
Visa liberalization
The discussions on this topic are ongoing. The Armenian side is also cooperating with Georgian partners to get familiar with their experience.
Armenia needs to be patient and keep working in this direction. Many circumstances required for successful negotiations depend on Armenian citizens as well.