U.S. Ambassador content with elections
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern today announced that there were "certain positive signs" during the February 12 local self-government elections.
The Ambassador told Mediamax that "there was a strong political campaign and competition due to the two strong candidates" in Hrazdan.
"We look forward to seeing real political competition during the upcoming parliamentary elections as well," said Ambassador Heffern.
Heffern mentioned that he had personally followed up on the elections in Hrazdan, and had talked to both sides, representatives of the Central Electoral Commission and several observers. "I was pleased to see that the polling stations were in order. Both sides affirmed that the elections were transparent," noted the U.S. Ambassador.
John Heffern also said the CEC had refused to grant the U.S. Embassy employees the status of observer in the elections held in Hrazdan and mentioned that he was "very concerned with that fact, and that efforts would continue for the parliamentary elections in May and the 2013 presidential elections".
"The international community is interested in the strengthening of democracy in Armenia. We are collaborating with the CEC, the political parties, the civil society and the mass media to hold free and fair elections," said the U.S. diplomat.
