ArmInfo.On 18 December, the EU Ambassador Piotr Switalski delivered a speech at the conference "The role of civil society in developing public policy agenda and ensuring accountable governance in Armenia", organised by the Partnership for Open Society which associates around 60 civil society organisations.
The Ambassador recalled the importance of the recently signed EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (#CEPA) which is a very solid legal basis for advancing reforms for the benefit of the citizens. He reiterated that CEPA is based on a joint commitment of both the EU and Armenia to democratic reforms, advancing human rights protection and fundamental freedoms, rule of law and good governance. The Government is the key partner in the implementation while at the same time, the National Assembly and the future Civil Society Platform (to be consisting of civil society organisations from the EU Member States and Armenia) will play an important function of the oversight of CEPA implementation and can positively contribute to its effective realisation.
The US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills stated that the United States Embassy actively participated in the creation of a civil society in Armenia. "We have also created a solid foundation for the further establishment of contacts with representatives of civil society, which in turn facilitates the development of cooperation." The US implements a wide range of activities and projects in Armenia through the embassy. Diplomatic missions in Armenia and partners, represented by the World Bank and the EU, are interested and work towards the development of civil society opportunities, but I believe that in order to increase the effectiveness of activities, civil society should not only criticize but also be constructive," concluded Mills.
The event was organized by the Partnership for an Open Society initiative in cooperation with 60 civil society organizations.