With a serial visit the U.S. and British members of the expert group on November 30 met with the First Deputy Minister of Defence D. Tonoyan and the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the RA Armed Forces, Major General L. Mnatsakanyan.

Defense Ministry’s press service reported that the experts informed the high-ranking officials of the Defense Ministry about the consultative process of the visit, presented considerations to find specific solutions to comply progressive experience in the field of personnel management with local conditions and the reality of the Republic of Armenia.

During the meeting they discussed the allocation of functions and responsibilities of professional sergeant and officer staffs, monetary allowances of professional sergeants, staff sergeant selection, rank and promotion, and providing opportunities for educational issues.

“I am afraid that not only all the political experts, but also politicians do not clearly understand what is the Eurasian Union.” said political expert Alexander Markarov.

“The content of the Eurasian union has economic elements,” said the politician, adding, that if it is more beneficial to the economic possibilities, than the use of bilateral relations, then it is acceptable, but if there will not be any advantage, it is not advisable.

Alexander Markarov also stressed the importance of the process of European integration, which, according to him, it is on the level that it is impossible to slow down or stop. “The supreme directions are clear, we simply need to be able to reap the benefit of this process,” said Markarov.

Touching upon the question of Nagorno-Karabakh, the speaker noted that the Minsk Group uses its mandate and continues to have a positive role in the sense that the unstable region is still non military situation. He notes several points why Azerbaijan lacks military appeals, “They are reduced because there was a quite strong blow to the image of Azerbaijan due to their president’s policy in terms of Safarov. The other reason is inadequate and, in some cases, necessary counterblow, that is carried out by our forces, the third one- direction of the foreign policy.”

On November 30 took place the meeting of the National Assembly, which was headed by the President of the National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan.

The Department of Public and Media Relations informed “First News and Analyses” that they discussed amendments at the second session of the fifth convocation of the National Assembly and the draft resolutions of the NA four-day agenda on December 3-6. The NA second session on amendments to the draft resolution included 12 issues and 2 an international treaties. The NA forthcoming four-day agenda includes 83 questions, including 23 international treaties.

On December 3, will take place a number of sessions of the NA Standing Committees.

On November 30, the president of the National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan received the delegation of the European People’s Party President Wilfried Martens. The meeting was attended by Vice-President of the “Euronest” Parliamentary Assembly Jacek Sarius – Volsky.

Welcoming EPP President, the President of the National Assembly said that the second visit of Mr. Martens in one-year period shows the development and strengthening of the EU-Armenia relations. He expressed confidence that it will serve as an additional incentive for the integration process of Armenia to the European family.
Hovik Abrahamyan stressed that the National Assembly will do everything possible to promote Armenia-EU relations.

Wilfried Martens expressing gratitude for the reception said that his recent visit brought positive results and progress are recorded in Armenia and stressed the importance of the three parties (RPA, Rule of Law and the “Heritage”) to the EPP.

The interlocutors also touched upon reforms carried out in Armenia, regional issues, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

Department of Public and Media Relations of the RA President inform that President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan received President of the European People’s Party President Wilfried Martens. EPP president has arrived in Armenia to attend the summit of the leaders of the Eastern Partnership.

At the meeting both parties expressed satisfaction, although the Republican Party of Armenia is relatively new member of the EPP, however, during the past year after joining, active and effective cooperation was formed in the framework of the EPP.

President Serzh Sargsyan and EPP President Wilfried Martens found such meetings as a good opportunity to discuss the progress of Armenia towards European integration, for inter-party relations and exchange of ideas.

They also referred to the upcoming presidential elections, the issues related to the development of cooperation within the Eastern Partnership.

Yesterday in the TEC was considered candidate in No. 1 constituency Stepan Safarian’s application, in which he claimed to dispute in court the other candidate’s registration. The TEC has refused to appeal to court.

Stepan Safarian noted that his application was based on the fact that the Republican candidate Robert Sargsyan presented on November 23 a declaration of withdrawal proceeds, estimated 2 million 700 thousand AMD.

“Though we did not have the obligation to submit EC’s proving violations, but we presented that he has the headquarters in the buildings, where the TECs are deployed, which is not allowed. Out-of-law campaign is carried out, money is being spent, which will significantly influence the outcome of the election,” said Stepan Safarian.

According to him, for all the facts TEC representatives gave ridiculous answers.
Stepan Safarian, expressed his gratitude to the “Republic” party and Democratic party of Armenia, who have urged people to vote for him.

“We are concerned with the issue of voter lists, as thirty percent of the population is missing. We fear that instead of the absentee voters, voting will be organized. That is why we try to make sure that it will not happen.” presented his concerns Stepan Safarian.