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Armenia will be brought closer to Europe when the process is perceived by large sections of the country’s population, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy stated at the Armenia in Europe conference in Yerevan, Armenia.

Mr. Herman Van Rompuy has great expectations from the conference, which is an opportunity to involve Armenia’s public in forming new relations with Europe.

Civil society must be consistent in supervising the government honoring its commitments to implement reforms, he said. Civil society should be active in performing the following three functions: monitoring the reforms, demanding reports and gaining experience. This activity must be carried out in all the areas of Armenia’s life, said Herman Van Rompuy.

The Armenian National platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (CSF) and Center for European Studies (CES) organized the conference at the Receptions Palace of Armenia’s Government.
Herman Van Rompuy stressed the importance of national minorities’ involvement in the reforms.

The European Council will render further financial aid to civil society in implementing real reforms in human rights protection and democratization.

At his meeting with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and MPs the high-ranking European official intends to discuss the effectiveness of reforms based on European values, particularly formation of democratic institutions, corruption control, transparent elections, and human rights protection.

Much has to be done. However, the stronger is the desire for reforms the stronger Armenia can rely on the European Union.

With respect to political opposition, Herman Van Rompuy noted that Armenia should follow the OSCE/ODIHR report. He expressed hope that for serious progress before the next presidential election in Armenia.

As regards the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, Herman Van Rompuy said that civil society should also contribute to a peaceful settlement of the conflict. The negotiations may fail without societies’ involvement. A dialogue between societies is of importance for establishing long-lasting peace in the region.

The European Council is assisting the OSCE Minsk Group and proposing its assistance in the person of its high representative, Herman Van Rompuy said. The European Council is ready to assist the establishment of regional stability.