ArmInfo.Armen Ashotyan, Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, met on February 23 with Toivo Claar, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia.
As reported by the press service of the Parliament, Armen Ashotyan noted the importance of the mission of the Special Representative, as well as the involvement of European structures in the peaceful settlement of conflicts.
The Chairman of the Commission noted that the belligerent rhetoric and anti-Armenian statements of the Azerbaijani President are steps aimed at destabilizing peace in the region, which also reduces the possibility of a peaceful settlement of the problem.
Armen Ashotyan also noted that sounding of adequate assessments by European structures is a public demand, and the reverse process on the contrary undermines public confidence in international institutions.
Referring to the process of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armen Ashotyan stressed that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict differs from other conflicts in the region and should be considered in a separate context. The Chairman of the Commission also attached great importance to the participation of the people of Artsakh in educational, social and other programs financed by the EU.
Touching upon the issues of active cooperation in the parliamentary sphere, Armen Ashotyan noted that parliamentary diplomacy is flexible, multilevel and legislators have an excellent opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Commission emphasized the most constructive cooperation on interparliamentary platforms, especially in European parliamentary assemblies. Armen Ashotyan expressed regret that the behavior of Azerbaijani delegations in such formats is often unhealthy and continues anti- Armenian state policy.
Referring to the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Expanded Partnership Agreement, Armen Ashotyan stressed the importance of rapid and easy ratification of the agreement in national parliaments.
The meeting discussed issues related to the programs for developing the capacity of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. The Chairman of the Commission noted that the parliament needs the support of European institutions on this issue.