Europeans ask Armenian FM about gas price hike
The recurrent sitting of the Standing Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has kicked off in Yerevan.
Participating in the sitting are Hovik Abrahamyan, Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly, Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs, PACE President Jean-Claude Mignon and members of the Armenian delegation to the PACE.
Armenia's European orientation and the process of European integration are the result of a conscious choice based on our common values as well as rich cultural and Christian legacy," Hovik Abrahamyan said in his opening remarks.
He stressed that Armenia comprises a part of the European civilization with its past and present.
"With this in mind, Armenia joined the Council of Europe in 2001," he said.
earlier this month, at the 123rd session of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers in Strasbourg, France, Armenia assumed its first-ever six-month chairmanship of the organization.
In his speech, PACE President Jean-Claude Mignon said in recent years the organization has adopted a number of important resolutions and this is another excellent opportunity to discuss various ideas.
In reply to the PACE official, the Armenian Foreign Minister said in the coming six months Armenia will be involved in the process of European integration.
"This is a serious challenge, and Armenia assumes presidency of the Council of Europe, paying special attention to the issues that are more important and significant. Armenia vows to pursue the struggle against racism, protection of human rights, strengthening of democratic society and boosting the role of the Council of Europe. We will work to strengthen regional cooperation in the areas of human rights and fundamental freedoms," he said.
PACE member Andreas Gross asked Minister Nalbandian why Armenia's military partner Russia has increased the prices for natural gas it gives to Armenia and whether Armenia is going to apply economic sanctions. "The gas price is regulated by an agreement signed between the two countries, and I think we shall reach an agreement because we are strategic partners."Another PACE delegate asked the Armenian official about the Karabakh peace deal wondering what compromises Armenia can suggest in the talks.
"Out stance on the issue coincides with that of the OSCE Minsk group mediators. We welcome the possible solution based on the opinion of the international peace brokers. What expectations can the international community have from Armenia? It again depends on the steps of the co-chairing countries. Armenia has maintained the truce since its establishment in 1994, which is not the case with Azerbaijan. In particular, they refuse to remove snipers from the Line of Contact. Azerbaijan is against the peaceful settlement of the conflict," said the Armenian FM.
