“Closure of OSCE office was bigger blow for the OSCE than the RA” (video)
The EU is satisfied with the RA authorities for spending their means effectively during the NA elections. The Head of the EU Delegation, Ambassador Peter Switalski today at the meeting with journalists also added that at the polling stations the cameras and ID cards operated very well, and the results were more than their expectations, “There was short time for using those technical devices, but in spite of that, the technology operated better than in other countries. Of course, there were some problems, tricks connected with the interruption of live streaming, fingerprint devices, but now we analyze all the reports and know that they were relevant, we are very pleased that our money was spent purposefully.” He says that it is another matter to what extent the RA citizens take the political forces seriously, “Now Armenians know that thanks to this technology, they can have enough guarantees, that their voice isn’t stolen, if they go and vote for a party or an individual, but there is also serious mistrust, which I noticed during the conversations with ordinary citizens before the elections. There are some problems connected with the electoral process, which must be solved in the near future. We are ready to work together with the RA Government over the problems, which were revealed during the NA elections. We are ready to continue our support.” Then the Ambassador touched upon a high profile incident, when Marine Papyan, coordinator of the EU grant programs in Armenia, was charged with money embezzlement. According to media publications, huge amounts of money and gold jewelry were found from Marine Papyan’s bank account. Peter Switalski noted, “OLAF, European Anti-Fraud Office, deals with the case, it has sent a bid and proposals to the Investigative Committee, so that official investigation be launched and criminal case be instituted. I have already seen some publications that these cases of fraud can affect the RA-EU relations. I think the opposite may happen; relations may deepen thanks to the joint work of the Investigative Committee and the OLAF.” As for closure of the OSCE office in Yerevan, he highlighted that it was a very important partner for them, “The OSCE Yerevan Office remained committed to its mandate, proving how important the presence of the OSCE can be in the country. Many states question the activities of the OSCE, but Armenia always supported the activities of the OSCE and assessed it positively. While developing the programs, first of all we though which OSCE country we could work with. Nevertheless, the OSCE will continue implementing programs in Armenia, as both sides need it. The closure of the OSCE office was bigger blow for the OSCE than the RA.”
