“President Obama backs Armenia”
Support A1+!"U.S. President Barack Obama and his administration back you and voice support for the future that you have chosen for you," U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said in her opening remarks today at the Gafeschian art center during a meeting with civil society representatives.
In her speech, Ms. Hilary Clinton said that "democracy develops in countries where representatives of civil society earn respect and work freely."
The U.S. Secretary of State briefed the presentees on her meeting with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. During the meeting, she expressed concern over the freedom of press in Armenia, in particular over the recent amendments and addenda to the RA Law on Television and Radio which have aroused great public protest in Armenia.
"Washington shares concerns over the amendments expressed by the OSCE and EU," said Clinton.
In response to Ms. Clinton, Serzh Sargsyan promised to amend the law during the National Assembly's fall session.
"The USA is ready to support Armenia for journalists to feel more protected as only in that case can people obtain free information required for building a prosperous and democratic country," Hilary Clinton said.
"Democracy does not imply only free and fair elections. It also implies free dialogue, exchange of opinions, transparent governance, strong and firm civil society. And the society which is not reconciled to the status quo in matters of democracy and struggles for its rights, will be able to build a democratic country," she said.
At the end of the meeting, the U.S. Secretary of State thanked the representatives of civil society for their activity in the field of democracy and reiterated her support to them.
