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Diogo Freitas do Amaral, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Portugal
and Chairman of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, made
the following statement:
"After several months of intense debate, Armenia's National
Assembly has just adopted a number of constitutional amendments,
in line with the country's commitment undertaken when joining the
Council of Europe. The referendum to be held on 27 November on this
reform will be vital for Armenia. By turning out to vote during
the referendum, the people of Armenia will indeed be deciding on
changes of fundamental importance for their future. The expertise
of the constitutional amendments by the Council of Europe's Venice
Commission has shown that the reform will allow the alignment of
the Constitution with European standards by enhancing the independence
of the judiciary, providing a more balanced distribution of power
between the executive and the legislative branches, as well as promoting
local democracy and freedom of the media.
I appeal to the sense of responsibility and concern for the common
good of Armenia's political parties, beyond their differences, in
order to support this reform, which is essential to the country's
future as a democracy. By participating in the referendum and showing
their attachment to the values of freedom and democracy, the people
of Armenia will show their desire to see Armenia fully assume its
part in the European construction."
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