PACE DISCUSSES THE ARMENIAN ISSUE
Support A1+!“Armenia has never carried out its responsibilities defined in PACE resolutions”, declared co-rapporteur John Prescott in his report on “The Functioning of Democratic Institutions in Armenia”. He noticed that the opposition was staging a demonstration even before the results of the February 19 Presidential Elections were announced. “Everybody knew people were going to stage protest actions.”
As he informed the PACE delegates 10 people died and over 100 were detained during March 1 tragic events. In fact, Levon Ter-Petrossian was under house arrest. Afterwards state of emergency was declared and freedom of speech was limited. “In fact, any instance of state of emergency is a violation of human rights”, said John Prescott.
Prescott believes a genuine investigation of March 1 events should by carried out by the authorities. The situation should be accurately assessed and the detainees released. He also warned that in case of inappropriate response from Armenia the Armenian delegation would be deprived of suffrage at upcoming PACE sittings.
“Unless the resolution terms are fulfilled Armenia’s reputation will be on stake at the EC”, added co-rapporteur Georges Columbier.
Sixteen delegates have registered to make a speech, among them Armen Rustamian, Avet Adonts, Davit Harutyunian, Raffi Hovhannissian.
Karine Asatrian
Strasbourg
