Armenian people received three blows
The international community has given Armenia three blows due to the indiscreet policy of Armenian authorities, the Armenian National Congress said in a statement.
1. The U.S. government decided to suspend the Millennium Challenges program in Armenia - a major funding tool envisaged for the reduction of poverty level in rural areas, rehabilitation of rural roads and irrigation systems. The U.S. terminated the program as they so no progress in Armenia in connection with human rights protection, democratic reforms and conduct of elections.
2.In its annual human rights report, the U.S. State Department presented Armenia as a dictatorial country and criticized the Armenian authorities' human rights record, saying that they continue to restrict citizens' right to change their government, put pressure on courts and tolerate police abuses. The U.S. State Department stood by its view that Armenia's 2008 presidential election was "significantly flawed." It also spoke of "apparent political motivations" behind the mass arrests of opposition members following the disputed vote.
3. The co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on the honouring of obligations and commitments by Armenia made a statement deploring the Armenian authorities' failure to disclose the causes of the 10 casualties that occurred during the March 2008 events and existence of political prisoners.
They also criticized the activity of the National Commission on Television and Radio which violently restricts freedom of speech and expression in Armenia. The co-rapporteurs noted that the deterioration of socio-economic situation and failure to implement reforms in the country could have a negative impact on next year's elections and lead to a social upheaval.
The Armenian authorities continue to apply tyrannic and illegitimate methods subordinating state interests to their personal interests. The authorities not only poison the political environment in Armenia but also deprived the country of serious assistance rendered by international organizations. The authorities' rash policy has weakened Armenia's position in the talks over Karabakh and smeared the country's reputation in the international arena.
The Armenian National Congress expects the authorities to meet the demands of the Armenian opposition and the international community which derive from the interests of the country and its people.
