DAVIT HARUTIUNIAN ADVISES CITY HALL TO READ PACE RECOMMENDATION CAREFULLY

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“Resolution 1620 does not replace Resolution 1609, and both remain in effect,” Head of the Armenian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Davit Harutiunian, told a press conference on July 2.

He says that in September the PACE monitoring commission will listen to the human rights defender’s report on the ad hoc committee to inquire into the March 1 occurrences, political persecutions and release of the political prisoners.

“Depending on the defender’s report the monitoring commission will likely make a corresponding decision during a September 11 session,” said Mr. Harutiunian and added: “Although Resolution 1620 gives time to Armenia to implement Res. 1609 by January, it does not mean that January is the deadline for meeting all the demands.

One of the notable demands of PACE Res. 1620 is to refrain from undue constraints on rallies and their venues. In this connection, A1+ asked Davit Harutiunian to comment on the City Hall’s decision not to authorise opposition rallies in the city centre. “I think we must pay more attention to PACE recommendations. I advise that the authorities, including the City Hall, read the PACE resolution carefully as it provides a distinct explanation regarding the recommendation not to bar rallies,” he said.

In answer to the question if the procuracy is ready to meet the demands of the PACE resolution, i.e. to release the political prisoners and stop political persecution under Articles 225 and 300, the head of the Armenian delegation to the PACE said “he cannot answer for the procuracy.” He added, however, that the PACE resolution is binding not only for the parliament but also for the government.