Armenia and the Future of Democracy

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At a recent Director's Forum, Artur Baghdasaryan, Speaker of the National Assembly, Republic of Armenia, declared that the constitutional and electoral reforms underway in Armenia are intended to strengthen democracy in Armenia, which he believes is "the shortest way to meet the challenges of the new century."

The goals of the reform are to decentralize power; provide for more effective advancement of human rights; provide for a more independent judiciary; and encourage strong local government. Baghdasaryan emphasized that the proposed reforms are in line with Armenia's obligations under the Council of Europe.

He noted that these reforms emerged from a two-year process of intensive work. The first draft reform, he recalled, received a very negative international appraisal. After long debates, consultations, and compromise, the proposed reforms now comply with international standards, said Bahgdasaryan. Once implemented, he continued, they would secure individual rights on an institutional level based in law. Armenia must have the courage to then implement the law, he said.

Baghdasaryan called for improved regional relations, and a renewed effort to resolve regional conflicts through negotiation. Armenia's goal for the future is to belong to a larger European family of civilized societies that undertake cooperative solutions to regional problems.

He announced that a Caucasus Assembly consisting of representatives from Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan would meet for the first time in January 2007, according to a memorandum of understanding signed two months ago. The assembly would be a tool for resolving regional problems he said, adding that the Assembly was the result of two years of negotiations.

"Democracy will make it easier to solve conflicts," said Baghdasaryan, "Democracy is the best guarantee for peace."

Nevertheless, concluded Baghdasaryan, the struggle for democracy is a process in Armenia. For the younger generation of politicians in Armenia, however, it is the only way.