Minister Oskanian received the co-rapporteurs for Armenia representing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe -- Jerzy Jaskernia and Rene Andre. The Minister welcomed the two and reiterated Armenia's belief that membership in the Council of Europe is very important for Armenia and that Armenia is committed to meeting all its obligations.

The Minister explained that Armenia had held two important elections this year and that the leadership is prepared to work with the Council of Europe in the coming years to improve both election procedures and legislation.

The rapporteurs stressed that along with a change in the election code, they looked forward to Armenia's removing the death penalty.

Among the issues discussed between the two sides were the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the upcoming elections in Azerbaijan, Armenia's relations with its neighbors, political developments in the CIS.

The Minister stressed the significance of Armenia's European direction. He explained that although the prospects of Armenia's accession to the European Union are distant, nevertheless the process of working towards conditions which would meet EU requirements is in itself a useful process that is beneficial for Armenia. He also stressed that Armenia expects that the European Union, too, encourage such a process and not obstruct it in any way.