EU observes progress in Armenia, urges to release all imprisoned opposition activists
The European Union (EU) welcomes the decision of Yerevan authorities to sanction an opposition rally in Liberty Square on April 28, the EU said in a statement.
The EU takes note of recent positive political developments in Armenia. The EU has on a number of occasions raised concerns about freedom of assembly in the country. We therefore welcome the fact that, for the first time in many years, the political opposition was granted permission to hold a rally in Liberty Square on 28 April. We hope that future requests to hold rallies will be handled in the same way. This rally passed off in an orderly manner due, it seems, to the effective cooperation between law enforcement bodies and opposition groups. With Armenia due to begin a new cycle of elections in 2012, we attach particular importance to the respect for freedom of assembly," reads the statement.
The EU welcomes the release of some opposition activists arrested in the aftermath of the March 1, 2008, tragic events and calls on the Armenian authorities to release all the activists that remain in detention.
The EU believes that a thorough investigation of the violent events of March 2008 and the release of all those in custody in relation to those events will help Armenia to truly move on."
