Armenian Ombudsman meets with CoE Secretary General in Strasbourg
Armenian Ombusdman Arman Tatoyan met with Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland in Strasbourg. During the meeting, the two men discussed the activity of the Ombudsman’s Office in the organization and conduct of the parliamentary elections held in Armenia on April 2. Arman Tatoyan presented the principles and priorities of the activity of a working group created for that purpose. They also discussed the complaints and reports about violations, as well as measures taken to address the problems. Arman Tatoyan also briefed the CoE Secretary General on Azerbaijani forces’ attack on the Armenian village Chinari inTavush region in December. The Armenian Ombudsman voiced his concerns over possible threats stemming from anti-Armenian policies, particularly emphasizing potential hazards to the European institutions, including the Council of Europe. Mr Tatoyan stressed that by chasing international experts, EU delegates and journalists, Azerbaijan cannot achieve any results and added that international human rights organizations should be actively engaged in Artsakh. The Armenian Ombudsman further addressed the reports published by his office. He also briefed the European official on the fact-finding activities initiated by Artsakh Ombudsman Ruben Melikyan. Thorbjørn Jagland attached importance to the stance of the Human Rights Defender and the work carried out in the sector. The sides agreed to continue cooperation and take measures aimed at implementing the agreements reached at the meeting.
