Questionable legitimacy of Belarusian parliament prevents Euronest from starting activities

The parliamentary format of the Eastern partnership – Euranest – is unable to start its activities partially because of Belarus, Naira Zohrabyan, Chairperson of Armenian parliament's Standing Committee on European Integration, told a news conference on Tuesday.

"There are a great number of problems that cause Euronest to postpone its activities from time to time. The participation of Belarus remains a major issue. The European Parliament does not recognize the Belarusian parliament's legitimacy, and that prevents Euranest from starting its activities," she said.

Zohrabyan, who is also a member of the Prosperous Armenia party (PAP), told journalists that their committee has this year organized two parliamentary hearings –one devoted to the draft law on individuals with disabilities and the other – to the draft law on non-governmental organizations. She also added that in spring 2011, the parliament is scheduled to organize an outgoing session in the town of Abovyan.

The MP further noted that their committee is planning to launch the DVD version of the documentary, "Baku, Maragha, Sumgayit" and screen it at the Armenia-EU parliamentary committee's regular session. Speaking of the documentary Jugha: 21st Century Vandals, Zohrabyan said she possesses no information of Azerbaijanis' discontent following the film's screening in Brussels.