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STATEMENT by the Delegation of Armenia in response to the Address by H.E. Mr. Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, at the 1578th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council
24 September 2026
Mr. Chairperson, The Delegation of Armenia welcomes H.E. Mr. Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, back to the Permanent Council and thanks him for his address. Armenia attaches great importance to the dialogue and close cooperation between the Permanent Council and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. We believe that these relations should be further strengthened. At a time when multilateralism faces growing challenges, the Parliamentary Assembly has an important role to play in preserving channels of communication, building confidence, and advancing cooperation across political divides. As a staunch supporter of multilateralism, Armenia regards interparliamentary dimension as one of its important pillars. In this regard, we are pleased to note the increasing engagement of members of Armenia’s delegation in the activities of the Parliamentary Assembly. Ms. Maria Karapetyan was recently elected Vice-President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, while Mr. Sargis Khandanyan was re-elected Chair of the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions. In addition, Ms. Lilit Minasyan serves as Vice-Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Network of Young Parliamentarians. We are confident that they will make a meaningful contribution to the work of the Assembly and to the advancement of its agenda. Mr. Chairperson, We highly value the Assembly’s work in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this regard, election observation remains an important part of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s contribution to strengthening democratic processes. We take note of the concerns reflected in the Assembly’s recent Hague Declaration regarding democratic backsliding, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, challenges to electoral integrity, and the growing impact of hybrid threats and external interference on democratic processes. These challenges make credible, impartial and professional international election observation all the more important. We therefore have appreciated the substantial participation of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in the international observation of Armenia’s parliamentary elections held on 7 June 2026. The Mission’s Preliminary Report concluded that the elections offered voters a genuine choice among political alternatives in a well-administered process. We view this assessment as recognition of Armenia’s continued commitment to democracy, and we remain open to working with the OSCE institutions in addressing the Mission’s recommendations. Mr. President, We appreciate your reference to the peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The parliamentary dimension is crucial to fostering peace and security. As representatives of the people, parliamentarians have a responsibility to uphold OSCE principles, promote dialogue and confidence-building, and create opportunities for practical cooperation. When it comes to humanitarian issues, they affect all people living along the conflict lines. They must be addressed in an inclusive and comprehensive manner. We believe that the peace established in our region has created more favorable conditions and new opportunities for constructive cooperation on these important matters. Armenia remains committed to this objective, as we have vividly demonstrated on numerous occasions. In conclusion, Armenia remains committed to constructive engagement with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and to further strengthening cooperation between the Assembly and the Permanent Council. Thank you.