Mr Gnel Sanosyan

Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia

Mr Emin Yeritsyan

President of the Communities Association of Armenia

 Strasbourg, 8 November 2021

Dear Minister, Dear President, On the occasion of Local Self-Government Day on 10 November 2021, I welcome the longstanding good co-operation between the Congress and the Armenian authorities, in particular with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, as well as the Communities Association of Armenia. 

This co-operation paves the way for the further strengthening of local democracy through constant political dialogue on the implementation of the European Charter of Local SelfGovernment, which was ratified by Armenia in 2002, and the observation of elections of selfgovernment bodies. I refer in particular to the latest Congress recommendation 456(2021) adopted in June 2021 and I am convinced that, in order to ensure its implementation, we will continue our fruitful dialogue. Today is a good opportunity to mark the recognition of local self-government in both the Armenian Constitution and the Law on Local Self-Government, and to confirm the political will of upholding this important democratic principle in Armenia.

The Congress, on its side, will continue to support and provide assistance to Armenia through its monitoring and co-operation activities and I am pleased to congratulate you on this important day for local democracy.

Yours sincerely,

Leendert Verbeek