Serzh Sargsyan: “We will pass this way”
President Serzh Sargsyan received today the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Thorbjorn Jagland, and the delegation of participants of the CoE 2010 Form for the Future of Democracy.
President Sargsyan welcomed the conduct of the forum in Armenia. He praised the Council of Europe role in the protection of human rights, reinforcement of democracy and democratic institutions, underlining Armenia's commitment to European values.
"The fundamental human rights and freedoms, the defense of democratic values are among the cornerstones of our statehood. We have passed a long way in that direction ever since gaining independence. Nevertheless, we realize hat we still have much to do and we are resolute to pass this way, although it's said that this road has no end," Serzh Sargsyan said.
Characterizing the conduct of the forum in Yerevan as an important event for both the Council of Europe and Armenia, Thorbjorn Jagland said he was glad to see that Armenia was a good partner of the Council of Europe.
"We closely follow the developments in Armenia. I agree with you that you have already passed a long way. The main function of the Council of Europe is to help countries pass that way, or the highway, as I call it. I share your opinion that this highway has no end, and there are obstacles to democracy on both sides of the road. The more we more forward, the more challenges appear," he said.
Thorbjorn Jagland hailed the activity of the of Armenia's Permanent Representative at the Council of Europe.
