YEREVAN, MARCH 22, ARMENPRESS.  Ahead of the parliamentary elections in Armenia scheduled on April 2 the President of the European People’s Party Joseph Daul has released a footage in support of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia. “Armenpress” reports in his message Daul particularly wished the voters to continue to trust the responsible forces like the Republican Party of Armenia and to avoid from any populist divergences.

“Honorable President Sargsyan,

Honorable comrades of the Republican party of Armenia,

I am glad to address my warm wishes for success during the April 2 parliamentary elections.

These elections will be the first following the Constitutional referendum in Armenia in 2015 transforming Armenia into a parliamentary country. These elections will also be the first to be held under the new Electoral Code initiated by the Republican Party.

Meanwhile, these elections give an important opportunity to test the strength of democracy in your country. It’s important that they pass fully freely and transparently, peacefully and in line with international standards. I am convinced your leadership will do its best to organize such elections.  

“And it will be done not for the purpose to satisfy your international partners but for the benefit of your country and citizens.

It’s beyond doubts that free and fair elections are a precondition for further deepening of relations between Armenia and the EU which will be propelled by the comprehensive and expanded partnership agreement initialed recently.

The citizens of Armenia will be the first to derive its benefits since an established democracy can make Armenia stronger”, Joseph Daul said, adding that all political forces are responsible for the success of the elections but first of all the Republican Party, since it’s the ruling party.

EPP President noted in his message that populist and extremist parties have progressed in Europe in the recent years. “Fortunately, the populists were unable to success in the Netherlands but numerous important electoral processes are still ahead, including in my country, and I even do not want to imagine the disasters Marie Le Pen’s victory can bring to France and Europe.

I wish that voters in your country continue to trust the responsible forces such as the Republican Party of Armenia and to avoid from any populist divergences. But for that you must be able to hear them and react to their concerns and expectations.

Dear comrades, I wish success to your candidates, so that the Republican party of Armenia is able to lead your country by the right path”, he concluded.