ELDR urges the Armenian authorities to release all political prisoners
The chairman of the Armenian National Congress Board Aram Manukyan is in Helsinki participating in a congress of the European liberal parties.
According to Aram Manukyan, the congress participants adopted a resolution demanding immediate release of Armenia's political prisoners.
Below is the resolution adopted by the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party:
• having regard to Armenia's membership of the Council of Europe,
• having regard on the situation in Armenia during and after the 2008 elections,
• having regard to all relevant resolutions by the Council of Europe on Armenia;
A. reaffirming that the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are basic values of the Council of Europe and are crucial for our stability and prosperity;
B. Reaffirming that keeping people in prison for political reasons and denying them the right to due process of law are contrary to the obligations of Council of Europe member states;
C. reaffirming that the existence of political prisoners in Armenia is an established fact reflected in numerous international documents, reports and statements;
the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party
1. Condemns the continuing detention of political prisoners by the Armenian authorities, despite numerous requests and demands;
2. Urges the Armenian authorities to release immediately all political prisoners and to bring to an end the practice of persecutions of political opponents.
