Venice Commission on Judicial System Reforms in Armenia

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has received a letter from the President of the Venice Commission, Gianni Buquicchio, in which the President expresses readiness to support decisive reforms in Armenia's judicial system and the implementation of 'vetting'. This was reported to Armenpress by the Press Secretary of the Prime Minister, Vladimir Karapetyan.

"The Venice Commission is ready to assist Armenia in the implementation of judicial reforms and vetting, fully respecting the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and accepted international standards," Karapetyan stated.

Armenpress presents an unofficial translation of Buquicchio's letter:

"Honorable Mr. Prime Minister,

I am writing to you following our meeting on April 11 of this year in Strasbourg, during which we reaffirmed our interest in expanding close cooperation between Armenia and the Venice Commission.

I have recently learned about your calls for decisive reforms in the judicial system and even the implementation of vetting. You note with regret that the judicial system does not enjoy the public's trust and believe that corrupt and incompetent judges must resign or be removed.

The public's trust in the justice system is undoubtedly an important characteristic of an effectively functioning democratic state, and I am aware that such trust is sadly lacking in Armenia.

The Venice Commission has already adopted and supported the substantive reforms and even the implementation of vetting procedures in other European countries facing similar situations.

However, I must emphasize that the Venice Commission also affirms that reforms in the judicial system must be developed and implemented through legal means, in accordance with the Constitution, and considering European standards regarding the rule of law and respect for human rights. Such reforms can achieve their goal of strengthening the rule of law and can contribute to the realization of your country’s democratic aspirations only if these standards are respected.

The Venice Commission is ready to assist you in developing reforms aimed at restoring public trust in Armenia's judicial system, respecting the Constitution of Armenia and relevant international standards."