The Partnership for Open Society, a coalition of civil society representatives, acknowledges the ENP as an exceptional opportunity for implementation of democratic, political, economical, and social reforms that would enable Armenia to have a closer relationship with the EU. The Partnership considers the primary goal of the ENP to be one of building the efficient institutions necessary in a democratic state based on the rule of law with an open and competitive market economy in the EU's neighbors.

In the meantime the POS notes that as opposed to many previous policies implemented by the Armenian government the ENP provides for a comprehensive and country-tailored plan of actions that encompasses almost all aspects of public life. Based on all the above the POS would like to state its firm belief that achieving these ambitious goals will be impossible unless following issues have been prioritized and addressed according to specific and clearly stated measurable objectives as presented below.

Democracy and the Rule of Law
Ensure the establishment of a democratic constitutional framework through constitutional and legal reform in line with recommendations of Venice Commission of the CoE, including balance in branches of power.

Amend Election Code and ensure democratic parliamentary, presidential and local elections in line with European standards, starting with the parliamentary elections planned for 2007 and the presidential in 2008

Conduct administrative reform of local self-governance in accordance with European Charter on Local Self Governance, ensuring further autonomy and financial sustainability of local government bodies.

Change the status of Yerevan into community and provide for direct elections of city council and mayor.
 
Judicial and legal reform
Continue reform of judiciary in accordance with European standards ensuring independence, impartiality and efficiency of judiciary including appointment, promotion and statutory rights and obligations of judiciary.

Ensure that the status of Justice Council is independent from legislative and executive branches of power and that the Council is the guarantee of independent judiciary and is the only and final instance with regard to issues related to professional activities of judges.

Human Rights and fundamental freedoms
Ensure implementation of UN and European conventions through legislative revisions, strengthening of institutional framework and awareness raising.

Revise the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations and the Law on Conducting Meetings, Assemblies, Rallies and Demonstrations Religious Denominations in accordance with universal human rights and European standards; guarantee proper implementation of the Law.

Revise the criminal and administrative codes to decriminalize sanctions and abolishes imprisonment for conducting and participating in demonstrations, and for defamation and libel.

Eradication of ill-treatment and torture in pre-trial detention facilities and penitentiary through changes in legislation/regulation, and training of the staff on human rights issues.

Media and freedom of expression
Ensure freedom of expression and freedom of information radio, television and other mass media.
Establish truly independent bodies regulating broadcast media.
Ensure pluralism in public radio and television.

Conclusions
At the same time the Partnership for Open Society expresses its readiness to participate in developing of relevant provisions of the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan dealing with abovementioned and other issues.

The POS believes that as well as encouraging these reforms in the negotiations of the future EU-Armenia Action Plan, the EU should also re-focus its financial assistance to support implementation of the priorities of the Action Plan and should ensure that the progress of the Armenian government is monitored according to clear benchmarks. POS has been closely involved in facilitating a civil society monitoring of the Armenian government’s progress in fulfilling Council of Europe commitments and plans to undertake a similar process to monitor ENP progress. This information will be open and transparent and will be made available to interested EU officials.