Statement in response to the address by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, H.E. Mr. Pere Joan Pons Sampietro as delivered by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at[...]

Mr. Chairperson,

The Delegation of Armenia warmly welcomes H.E. Mr. Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to the Permanent Council and thanks for his address. Since this is his first appearance at the Permanent Council in his current capacity, we take this opportunity to congratulate him again for assuming the post of the President of the PA and wish him all the success in his endeavors. The previous engagements of President Sampietro on various topics of interest for the Parliamentary Assembly, including his contribution as the Special Representative on South Caucasus testify to his professionalism and dedication to the OSCE's principles and goals.

We are also pleased to note that Mr. Khandanyan, Head of the Armenian Delegation to the OSCE PA, has been elected Chair of the Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions. In recent years Armenia has registered significant achievements in the fields of responsibility of this committee. We believe that the representative of Armenia at the helm of this committee can make a meaningful contribution also based on our national experience.

Mr. Chairperson,

Armenia attaches high importance to the dialogue and close cooperation between the Permanent Council and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. This partnership should not only be preserved but further strengthened. In this year marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, we particularly value the Assembly's reaffirmed role as a strong partner in advancing our shared objectives, harnessing the potential of parliamentary diplomacy to address pressing challenges across the OSCE area.

The parliamentary dimension is crucial for fostering peace and stability. As representatives of the people, parliamentarians have a responsibility to uphold democratic values, engage in constructive dialogue, build trust, and create opportunities for cooperation. These qualities are especially needed in our region today.

We appreciate, Mr. President, your references on and support to the peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We would also like to thank all those delegations who welcomed today the remarkable progress achieved to this end.

The recent Porto Declaration of the OSCE PA welcomed the progress achieved in the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in particular the finalization of the text of the draft Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations and called to use the window of opportunity to sign and ratify it.

While Armenia continues to advocate for its swift signing and ratification, the Agreement was initialed on 8 August in Washington D.C., and a landmark Joint Declaration was adopted too, fostering the era of peace in our region.

Mr. President,

Armenia values the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Assembly plays an important role in ensuring accountability and advancing democratic reforms. In this regard, the OSCE PA's election observation missions serve as an essential pillar in safeguarding democratic processes across the region.

In conclusion, we would like to once again reiterate Armenia's commitment to dialogue and cooperation within the OSCE's parliamentary dimension and wish you, Mr. President, every success in your important work.

Thank you.