THE ACCESSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA TO THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS COMMITMENTS TO THE ORGANIZATION

Natalia VOUTOVA

Matalia Voutova, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe to Armenia (Erevan, Armenia)

The Republic of Armenia joined the Council of Europe on 25 January, 2001. The accession of Armenia to this Organization is recognition of the fact that this State shares common European values which the Council of Europe stands for and that the country is moving toward a strong democracy.

A. General Overview of the Council of Europe

The Council of Europe is an intergovernmental pan-European organization set up in 1949 with currently 45 member States. The Council of Europe’s headquarters is in Strasbourg (France).

The aim of the Council of Europe is:

  • to promote human rights, pluralist democracy and the rule of law;

  • to help consolidate democratic stability in Europe by backing political, legislative and constitutional reform;

  • to promote awareness and encourage the development of Europe’s cultural identity and diversity;

  • to seek solutions to problems facing European society such as discrimination against minorities, xenophobia, intolerance, environmental protection, human cloning, Aids, drugs, organized crime, terrorism, migrations, etc.

The Council of Europe covers all major issues facing European society other than defense. Its work program includes the following fields of activity: human rights—identifying new threats to human rights and human dignity, promoting human rights awareness, education and professional training, promoting equality between women and men, combating racism and intolerance—media, legal co-operation, social cohesion, health, education, culture, heritage, sport, youth, local democracy and trans-frontier cooperation, protection of environment.

  • The Committee of Ministers is the Council of Europe’s decision-making body, and is composed of the foreign affairs ministers of all the member States;

  • The Parliamentary Assembly is the Organization’s deliberative body, the members of which are appointed by national parliaments;

  • The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe is a consultative body representing local and regional authorities;

  • The European Court of Human Rights is the judicial institution competent to deal with complaints filed by States and individuals regarding alleged violations of………………..

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