On 20 October 2016 the Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Development, Davit Lokyan, participated in a political dialogue with the members of the Congress as part of the 31st Session. 

On 20 October 2016 the Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Development, Davit Lokyan, participated in a political dialogue with the members of the Congress as part of the 31st Session. This exchange follows on from the signature, last June, of a roadmap for the implementation of the Congress’s recommendations relating to the situation of local and regional democracy in the country. The minister emphasised the excellent co-operation between the Congress and the Armenian authorities, who are actively participating in the post-monitoring programme. “The strengthening and development of local democracy are still priorities for Armenia,” he stated. Mr Lokyan mentioned that the implementation of the Congress recommendations has, in particular, resulted in the ratification of all of the provisions of the European Charter of Local Self-Government and the development of co-operation programmes, which have helped to strengthen local authority leadership. “The new territorial reforms in Armenia have facilitated the merger of municipalities, reducing their number from 915 to 793, the decentralisation of competencies, as well as the holding of local elections,” he explained. The same day, during a discussion with the outgoing President of the Congress, Jean-Claude Frécon, and the newly elected President, Gudrun Mosler-Törnström, the minister confirmed that the territorial reforms will continue until 2018.