DAVID KRAMER DOESN’T INSTILL CONFIDENCE IN INVESTIGATION

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During today’s news conference U.S. Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour David Kramer said he didn’t inspire great confidence in the investigation group on the March 1 events.

“I rather trust my colleagues in the U.S. Embassy than the material on the investigation,” he said.

He reminded that the USA had already voiced concern over the March 1 occurrences and urged to expose the wrongdoers and causes.

Kramer says he hasn’t fully studied the material submitted by the Office of Prosecutor General.

“Independent investigation is highly important to dispel doubts amongst the society, therefore all wrongdoers should be disclosed and called to trial. Ten people were killed on March 1. I think the investigation body should include representatives of the opposition and independent experts.” David Kramer says the USA urged the Armenian government to lift constraints on freedom of expression and rallies, to release those detained on politically motivated charges, to conduct a serious and credible investigation on the March 1 events and to start a serious dialogue between the opposition and the authorities. “The USA wants Armenia to be a developed democracy with a highly developed market economy and a stronger partner of the United States,” he said.

In reply to a journalist’s question whether the United States does not acknowledge the legitimacy of the new president once it didn’t congratulate Serzh Sarkissian on the new office, Kramer said: “We treat the new president as a new president, and the new prime minister as a new prime minister. Mr. Kocharian is no longer president and our colleagues in Washington and in the embassy work with the new government. I cannot comment on the stance of the White House.”

While speaking of the opposition’s rally of June 20, Kramer said, “We are glad that the rally was held without major incidents. We hope there will be possibility for holding such rallies in future, and the opposition will not have to apply to the City Hall for 40 times to sanction a rally.”

KRAMER HOPES A1+ WILL AGAIN BE ON THE AIR

“We are hopeful to see full restoration of freedom to rallies and freedom of expression which includes granting A1+ a broadcasting licence,” David Kramer said.

“Reporters should be able to work freely. They must not be subjected to pressure or audits Television must provide pluralism as it is the main source of information for the Armenian people,” he added.

The U.S official voiced concern about certain anti-Semitist expressions in some Armenian media, saying that “anti-Semitism is inadmissible in a country which has historical similarities with Israel.”

“All countries experience rises and falls on the track of democracy. But rises prevail over falls in Armenia. We have observed a tendency for declines in the post-election period in Armenia.

KRAMER PREFERS DEEDS TO APPEALS

“The U.S. government voices a concern over the post-election events in Armenia,” said David Kramer. He reminded that the events might cause to suspend the 235 million dollar-worth programme of the Millennium Challenge. Asked about the U.S. stance towards the fate of the Millennium Challenge programme, David Kramer said: “I cannot talk about the MC programme but I must point out that the benchmarks of eligibility for the programme are fair and good government. The MCC will continue to follow the developments in Armenia and will make a decision later.”

The reporters reminded that both the RoA government and the leader of the opposition, Levon Ter-Petrossian, have appealed to the U.S. government not to suspend the programme as it would be harmful to the Armenian people.

“The best guarantee for the continuation of the programme is to return Armenia to the track of democracy,” Kramer said in reply.