DISCUSSION IN STRASBOURG

Support A1+!

Twenty eight people had registered to speak during the discussion on the fulfillment of Resolutions 1609 and 1620.

Co-rapporteurs Prescott and Colombier were the first to speak. They explained why they propose not suspending the Armenian delegation's voting rights. According to them, during their January visit to Armenia they saw the political will of the Armenian authorities to meet the requirements of the PACE. They informed those present that twenty people arrested for political motives were released by the amnesty decrees issued by Serzh Sargsyan.

Let us remind that representatives of the Armenian National Congress state that the released prisoners are not political prisoners and the co-rapporteurs are to disorienting the PACE. In his speech, head of the Armenian delegation David Harutyunyan mentioned that 28 people have been released by the decrees issued by Serzh Sargsyan. The head of the delegation noted that this discussion is very important for Armenia in that it has already been a year since Armenia is trying to eliminate the consequences of March 1. According to him, the Armenian authorities have done much. Of course, there have been flaws, but it must be taken into account that there had not been a precedent in Armenia.

Mr. Harutyunyan expressed gratitude to the co-rapporteurs for their work. Member of the delegation Avet Adonts stated that they don't want anybody to be arrested for political views in Armenia and that is why the National Assembly has created a work group to revise articles 225 and 300 of the RA Criminal Code.

After Adonts, member of the Azeri delegation Mrs. Hajievan made her speech and criticized Armenia. Three Azeri delegates had registered to speak during the discussion of the Armenian issue.

Let us remind that as a rule, the Armenian deputies don't speak during the discussions on Azerbaijan.

The discussion is in progress.

Karine Asatryan

Strasbourg