The role and the impact of International Parliamentary Organizations on foreign policy making of Armenia since Third Convocation. Case studies: PABSEC, OSCE, PA, PACE

Abstract

The Republic of Armenia advocates and implements a foreign policy of complementarity which is based on the premise that it is possible to maintain good relations with a variety of friends and partners. European integration is currently a part of the complementary policy and this is the main reason for which the paper focuses on European direction of the parliament’s foreign relations. Since Independence, Armenia’s newly formed National Assembly joined several inter-parliamentary organizations, international parliamentary assemblies and formed several parliamentary friendship groups which provide an independent arena for parliamentary diplomacy. For this purpose the author has conducted two months long internship project at the External Relations Department of the Armenian National Assembly. This was an opportunity to get acquainted with and to observe the works of the NA and to carry out this research. The paper is an attempt to view the parliamentary dimension in international relations of the RA through case studies. The paper gives an insight on the activity of Armenian delegations from 2003 to October 2007 with an emphasis on the multilateral form of parliamentary diplomacy through membership to PABSEC, OSCE PA and PACE. It includes studies and analysis on involvement of the Armenian National Assembly in international relations. Finally, the paper brings out several recommendations designed to improve the efforts of Armenian delegates. The goal of the paper is not only to point out the faults and shortcomings of our parliamentarians, but rather to anticipate a well-balanced foreign policy through developing continuous inter-parliamentary relations and engaging in multilateral cooperation aimed at mutual benefit and effective problem solving.