Armenian FM raises issue of Armenian POWs at meeting with CoE  Commissioner

ArmInfo. On May 17, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a meeting with Council of  Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty in Strasbourg.

As the press service of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports,  at the meeting the effective cooperation established with the Office  of the Council of Europe Commissioner in the field of protecting  human rights and strengthening the rule of law was emphasized. The  implementation of democratic reforms in Armenia was also mentioned.  The RA Foreign Minister noted that, despite the difficulties,  including the impact of geopolitical developments on the South  Caucasus, the RA government continues to adhere to the reform agenda,  using the opportunities provided through international mechanisms.

In the context of the latter, the practice of application of the  Council of Europe conventions by Armenia, as well as upcoming tasks,  was mentioned. The CoE Commissioner welcomed the signing of the  Oviedo Convention by the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs. The head of  the RA Foreign Ministry presented to the CoE Commissioner the efforts  of the Armenian Cabinet of Ministers to meet the needs and rights of  more than 100 thousand Armenians forcibly displaced from  Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan.  Humanitarian issues were also raised, including the release of  Armenian prisoners of war and other hostages illegally held by  Azerbaijan.