Yerevan, 18 September 2019
Dear Mr Speaker, Excellencies, Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today is an important day.
The formal launch here in the National Assembly of Armenia of the four-year project “Modern Parliament for a Modern Armenia”, marks the starting point of substantial support from the international community, to key reforms.
The aim of the project, with the UNDP as lead, is to strengthen the Parliament of Armenia.
This is very vital, also taking into account the fact that, the Parliament of Armenia has been given a broader and more central role within the political system of the Republic of Armenia, with the constitutional amendments that entered into force in 2015.
Last year’s election of a new Parliament, following the Velvet revolution, was a clear signal of the willingness to undertake necessary reforms and to strengthen democracy, freedom of expression and other fundamental rights and freedoms.
Within the project there is a focus on key areas such as law-making, oversight and representation, with particular attention given to improved quality, transparency and inclusiveness if parliamentary operations.
Importantly, the project involves not only the National Assembly, but also the Government and its agencies, not least Ministry of Justice and staff of the Government.
Consultations will also be carried out with civil society organizations, academia, think tanks, private sector organizations and other important actors. This inclusive approach is vital.
It is worth underlining, that the launch of this project follows after a credible and transparent electoral process last year, a development of historic significance.
So, Sweden is very proud to be a partner in this important project. The Swedish Government recently decided to open a bilateral program for support to Armenia. The strengthening of democracy, where Parliamentarian support has a special role, is one sector to which particular attention will be given.
During the visit a few weeks ago to Yerevan by the Speaker of the Swedish Parliament, and in his discussions with you, Mr Speaker, the wish on the side of the Swedish Government to further support reforms in Armenia within a number of areas, was reconfirmed. This visit followed after an important and productive visit by you, Mr Speaker, to Stockholm in June.
We are grateful for the important role played by the UNDP in taking the lead in project implementation and in designing the project. We are also most grateful for the close cooperation with the British Embassy in making possible the launch of the project, today.
Lastly, I want to mention that Sweden now is looking at the possibility of contributing with additional bilateral funding, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), to later stages of this project.
Thank you!
