ArmInfo.The signing and ratification of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement opens a new chapter in the history of cooperation between the European Union and Armenia. Vice-Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov stated during the third Assembly of the Heads of Parliaments of Central and Eastern Europe on July 12.
He expressed hope that this is a new page in the development of democracy, the protection of human rights and the establishment of peace. "We expect that other EU member states will ratify the Agreement at an acceptable time," the vice-speaker said. Sharmazanov noted that the current world, including the European region, is full of numerous challenges - these are closed borders, militaristic rhetoric and military attempts to resolve unresolved conflicts. "Regarding the closed borders, I should note that Turkey, despite the previously signed Zurich protocols, continues to block the border with Armenia, the Turkish policy of preconditions and blockade of Armenia is reprehensible, we are supporters of normalizing relations without preconditions" , - the vice-speaker emphasized. In this context, he expressed gratitude to the Polish Sejm for the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. Sharmazanov noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the convention adopted by the UN General Assembly on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. This UN convention was the first one that touched upon the problems of mankind. The genocide of Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians in the Ottoman Empire and Kemalist Turkey was one of the greatest disasters of the 20th century, which claimed more than 2 million lives of innocent Christians. Let's not forget that impunity leads to new crimes, "the Vice-Speaker said, also thanking the Polish Sejm for accepting a special resolution to the 650th anniversary of the Armenian community in 2017. The Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament also touched upon the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict, noting that Armenia rejects the military solution to the conflict: "The problem should be resolved solely through peaceful negotiations, in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship, on the basis of three well-known principles: peaceful settlement, realization of the right to self-determination territorial integrity. The right to self-determination is a natural right of citizens, and the citizens of Artsakh have as much right to self-determination and to live in an independent state as each of us. I call everyone to peace, tolerance and dialogue. I would like to end the floor with the following appeal of Pope John the Second: "Do not be afraid to preach peace, live in peace ... Violence and weapons can never solve the problems of mankind", concluded Sharmazanov.