Austria of key importance for Armenia - MP

ArmInfo. Austria is of key importance for the Republic of Armenia conditioned by a number of circumstances: First of all, at high level of democracy, and you know that it has already been several years our country takes firm steps forward in that way. On June 17, welcoming the Chair of the Committee on Human Rights of the National Council of Austria Nikolaus Scherak, the Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs Rustam Bakoyan said.

Noting that in recent years Armenia is facing difficult challenges,  the Deputy Chair of the Committee highly appreciated the support  shown by Austria to our country. Rustam Bakoyan thanked Nikolaus  Scherak for the resolution on the Involvement of Austria in the  Nagorno Karabakh Region and Improving the Living Conditions of the  Refugee Civilian Population, especially the women and the Children  unanimously adopted by the Parliament of Austria. He highlighted the  establishment of the resident diplomatic representation of Austria in  Armenia, considering it as an important factor in strengthening the  relations.

The Deputy Chair of the Committee presented information on violated  rights of hundreds of thousands of Armenians displaced from Nagorno  Karabakh because of ethnic cleansing implemented by Azerbaijan.   Touching upon the support programme being carried out by the  Government for those forcibly displaced from Nagorno Karabakh, Rustam  Bakoyan mentioned that by the efforts of the Government of Armenia  during short period all possible measures were undertaken to provide  with minimum conditions to our compatriots. He emphasized also the  support of the international community in this issue. Reference was  also made to the issue of immediate release of Armenian prisoners of  war and captives in Azerbaijan.

Thanking the Deputy Chair of the Committee for warm reception, the  Chair of the Committee on Human Rights of the National Council of  Austria highlighted those similar meetings and cooperation.   Regarding the problem of the forcibly displaced people from Nagorno  Karabakh, Nikolaus Scherak noticed that the efforts made by the  Government of Armenia are noticeable and expressed readiness for  support.

Noting that the active cooperation with like-minded colleagues is the  imperative of the day, Rustam Bakoyan presented to Nikolaus Scherak  the Crossroads of Peace project, underlining that it will promote the  establishment of peace and stability in the region.

Referring to the negotiations of the ongoing dialogue on Armenia-EU  visa liberalisation in recent period, the Deputy Chair of the  Committee expressed hope that in this issue Austria will show its  support.

In the establishment of peace both sides emphasized the role of the  RA Observation Mission in the Republic of Armenia.