Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
116 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action, in conjunction with the European External Action Services, he has taken in relation to elections in Armenia this month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25196/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Parliamentary elections in Armenia took place on 6 May. They were observed by an Election Observation Mission from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), as well as delegations from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, and the European Parliament. The EU, other than the European Parliament, does not organise election observation missions in countries where elections can be credibly or systematically observed by other international organisations or local stakeholders. In order to avoid duplication, the EU does not deploy observation missions in the countries belonging to the OSCE area as EU member States are members and core funders of the OSCE, which organises monitoring missions in its member countries.
The EEAS does of course closely monitor political developments in Armenia, including through the local EU delegation, and this informs discussion by Foreign Ministers within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The joint report on the Armenian elections found that there had been a vibrant and largely peaceful campaign, with overall balanced media coverage, but that pressure on voters and a deficient complaints process had created an unequal playing field. These elections were held under a new electoral code which, in the judgement of the international observers, provided a sound legal framework for conducting democratic elections. However, stakeholders had failed to implement important aspects of the new law. The manner in which complaints were dealt with, the report found, had undermined the right to legal redress.
As Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, I have taken note of the report. ODIHR will issue a comprehensive final report on the elections in the next few weeks, which will include recommendations for potential improvements. This final report will provide a basis for the work needed to improve electoral standards in Armenia before the Presidential election next year.
The EU Delegation in Yerevan will also be involved in cooperation with the OSCE Office and ODIHR on these issues, given that Armenia is in negotiations for an Association Agreement with the EU. The holding of elections in accordance with international standards is an important requirement in the latter context.
I have requested that our Embassy in Sofia, which is accredited to Armenia, remain in touch with the OSCE Office and with the EU Delegation in Yerevan in relation to their work on electoral standards. I hope to visit Armenia this year and to have an opportunity to discuss progress on this issue during my meetings with Armenian interlocutors.
