Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

Notwithstanding that the OSCE is the agency with responsibility for election monitoring, I am sure the EU has a role in overseeing the situation, commenting, and supporting, where possible, efforts to achieve effective parliamentary elections in Armenia. In 2008, there was serious public concern about what were seen as fraudulent presidential elections, which were followed by civil unrest. We need to ensure the elections this coming May are held in a fair and transparent manner. Has the Minister had discussions with his counterparts in Europe on this? Has he had any bilateral communications with the current Armenian authorities? Despite Europe's obsession with the economic crisis - perhaps rightly so - it is important that we do not lose sight of the original objectives of the Union and how important are civil and democratic human rights. We must continue to assist and monitor wherever possible.

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