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GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACT OPENLY AND HONESTLY

Politics


Colleen Graffy, Deputy Assistant for Public Diplomacy Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, is much impressed by the brilliant history of Armenia, its cuisine, culture and warm reception. At the same time she is concerned over freedom of expression, numerous detentions following the February 19 presidential elections, the state of embattled A1+ and many other issues.


“My concerns include both freedom of the press and freedom of assembly. Freedom of press includes lack of political diversity in viewpoints, as well as inadequate journalistic investigation, commentary and analysis,” she said.


Colleen Graffy says he is well aware of the general situation in Armenia from her talks with Armenian people, as well as reports of different organisations.


Asked what she thinks of ongoing assaults against Armenian journalists, Mrs. Graffy said, “The States Department’s 2007 human rights report pointed these things out. And we are working with the Armenian Government to encourage them to work on these issues first of all because concerns are coming not only from the United States but also from the OSCE/ODIHR, from the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly. Most importantly the Government will want to do this because independent free press and the right to assembly is a key factor in the development of any country.


Asked what she would recommend the Armenian authorities to do to regain confidence, Mrs. Graffy said: “The government should act openly and honestly in communications. Transparent and straightforward communications require free and independent media. I see how the Millennium Challenge Cooperation is working with the Armenian Government to encourage reforms because foundation of democratic institutions is a key factor for prosperity and economic goals.


The United States is also trying very hard itself to improve its communications with its people. We recognise that too many young people are on the Internet, so the White House, the Congress and the State Department are looking for ways in which to get communications from the Government to the people through the Internet. Your audience may visit the State Department’s official website www.state.gov where you can see videos, images and a blog. I am trying to help the American people understand what their government is doing, particularly with regard to public policy. The U.S. Government is trying to find ways in which to engage young people and to keep our communications open. We also get very critical comments but we think they help the country better.


Before arriving in Armenia Mrs. Graffy informed the blog visitors about her intention. They advised her to pay special attention to the issue of A1+, therefore the Deputy Assistant decided to look in the editorial office during her short visit to Armenia.