Statement in response to the Address of Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe as delivered by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at the 1507th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

06 February, 2025

Mr. Chairperson,

The delegation of Armenia warmly welcomes H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel, Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Luxembourg. We express our gratitude for his insightful address.

Mr. Minister,

Last year, the Council of Europe celebrated its 75th anniversary. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, which paved the way for the OSCE. These milestones reflect the aspirations of postwar Europe for peace, stability, prosperity and democracy. Our collective commitments were forged to prevent the devastation and despair that plagued our continent. The OSCE and the Council of Europe play a central role in upholding these principles and ensuring they remain uncompromised.

The shared area of application of these organizations also is uniquely distinguished by high standards and multilayered commitments to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We believe that the OSCE and the Council of Europe have a historic mission to demonstrate that this model of common good continues to be viable and sustainable and that it will only thrive and develop.

Therefore, in these challenging times, when fundamental values are under increasing threat, collaboration between these Organizations is essential. Armenia has long advocated for a complementary approach that maximizes their respective strengths, while avoiding unnecessary duplication of efforts and respecting their distinct mandates.

Mr. Minister,

We thank you for your leadership as Chair of the Committee of Ministers. Armenia supports the priorities of the Luxembourg Presidency among others on living together and countering democratic backsliding and emerging threats in Europe. Highlights on the rule of law, democracy, social cohesion, culture, sport, and heritage are both timely and significant, and Armenia stands firmly behind these efforts.

We welcome the focus of the Presidency on Strengthening of the Convention system and of the European Court of Human Rights, particularly as concerns the execution of judgments and supervision of their implementation. All members of the Council of Europe are obliged to uphold the legally binding norms and any derogation may signal the possibility of further human rights violations.

Distinguished Minister,

We also greatly value the strong and excellent bilateral relations between Armenia and Luxembourg. Thank you for referring in your speech to the recent visit of the President of the National Assembly of Armenia to Luxembourg. I would also like to recall your visit to Armenia last September and participation in the Yerevan Dialogue—a platform uniting political representatives, international organizations, diplomats, academia, the private sector, and civil society.

Mr. Minister,

Finally, I wish to recall that upon accession to the Council of Europe, the countries of the South Caucasus committed to resolving conflicts and international disputes through peaceful means, refraining from threat or use of force. Armenia remains firmly committed to establishing lasting peace and security in our region.

In conclusion, I reiterate Armenia’s full support for Luxembourg in fulfilling its vital responsibilities and wish every success at the helm of the Council of Europe.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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