Armenian authorities seek to form systems that would never be  destroyed by personal interests - MP

ArmInfo. The OSCE/ODIHR conference on "Developing Standards of Parliamentary Conduct: EU Eastern Partnership Countries and the OSCE Regional Perspective in Focus" will continue in Yerevan on November 25.

According to the press service of the National Assembly of the  Republic of Armenia, the goal of the conference is to share best  practices in parliamentary conduct in the OSCE region to assist  countries in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus in developing  codes of conduct and implementing effective mechanisms for  parliamentary conduct. According to Vladimir Vardanyan, Chairman of  the National Assembly Committee on State and Legal Affairs, when  parliaments are transparent in their actions, democracy is further  strengthened, and, consequently, citizen trust is further enhanced.

"We all understand that the challenges we face are growing. There are  challenges and problems related to corruption and external influence,  but new developments are also taking place today. We are seeing  technological changes that simplify lobbying and make it less  visible. We are seeing more and more interventions aimed at  eliminating vulnerabilities and testing the resilience of our actual  political system, democratic political systems. And these  developments clearly demonstrate that good conduct is not something  to be taken for granted. Good conduct must be constantly and  continuously protected, reinforced by effective standards,  institutional and cultural, political and constitutional culture.  Today, I can proudly say that the Republic of Armenia is making  significant progress in this direction," said Vladimir Vardanyan,  adding that mechanisms for verifying good conduct have been  introduced, and a Corruption Prevention Commission is operating. The  Armenian authorities are striving to create and develop systems that  cannot be undermined by individual or personal interests," he noted.

OSCE PA Vice-President, OSCE PA Special Representative for the South  Caucasus, and Portuguese Member of Parliament Luis Graca stated that  parliament is the cornerstone of democratic governance, and its role  in politics and society is unique. Particular attention was paid to  dialogue with civil society, the media, academia, and joint work on  the international parliamentary platform. A clear link was noted  between inclusiveness, integrity, and public trust. According to him,  these three pillars are essential for democracy.

Dr. Marcin Walecki of Oxford University spoke at the discussion  entitled "Integrity in Politics and the Role of Parliaments: Are  Politicians Unique?" and noted that democracy is under pressure  worldwide.  "Corruption is considered the greatest challenge to  democracy in various countries. Disinformation also poses a very  significant threat. All this indicates that democracy is entering a  decisive phase, is being corrupted by authoritarians, trust is  declining, and polarization is intensifying." In such circumstances,  parliaments are at the forefront, responsible for upholding the norms  of good conduct," he stressed.