PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos has ended an official visit to Armenia by welcoming continued progress on institutional reforms in the country aimed at strengthening judicial independence, protecting human rights and fighting corruption.

During high-level talks with Armenian leaders on 23 April – including the President, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Foreign Minister – Mr Rousopoulos placed particular emphasis on the importance of maintaining democratic dialogue between the majority and the opposition in a period of intense political polarisation, as recognised by relevant Council of Europe bodies.

During the visit, which is part of the President’s initiative to strengthen dialogue with member states, support democratic institutions and promote Council of Europe values, he also spoke to students at Yerevan State University about the Organisation’s role in defending human rights, democracy and the rule of law in its 46 member states.