US ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE: USA AND ARMENIA ARE FRIENDS AND SHOULD TALK SINCERELY WITH EACH OTHER
ArmInfo
2008-06-25 11:30:00
‘My visit to Armenia was purposed to carry out an in-place study
of the present situation in the country’, US assistant Secretary
of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour David Kramer said
at today’s press-conference. He also said that it has already the
second day he is in Armenia and will soon leave for Tbilisi, then
for Baku and afterwards, back again to Washington. As D. Cramer said,
Armenia and USA are friends, and the friends should talk sincerely with
each other. He added that the USA are concerned over the situation
developed in Armenia after the presidential election and in view of
March 1-2 events. As. D. Kramer said, they have noticed tendencies
for decay and decided to present some recommendations on the way out
of the developed crisis.
As for the recommendations, D. Kramer marked, in particular,
assurance of freedom of the Mass Media’ activity and lifting of
restrictions in holding of rallies and other protest actions. A
pluralism has been noted in Armenia in Radio broadcasting and printed
press, and it would be better if such a pluralism is observed in TV
broadcasting. Therefore, one should give an air to ‘A1+’ TV company
and not to ‘press’ journalists by threats and tax audits, Cramer
said. He also emphasized the necessity of discharging all the persons
arrested. He also said that 99 and even 100% of the arrested in view
of March 1 events are representatives of the opposition and this is
a very serious problem which he talked about during the negotiations
with RA prime minister. As for the rallies, he said he has got aware
that the Armenian opposition receive over 40 refusals by Yerevan
municipal authorities in response to the request on holding of June 20
rally. Nevertheless, the rally was held, moreover, without incidents –
that is a good sign. He also said he hopes that the next rally of the
opposition scheduled for July 4 will be also held calmly and Armenia
will return to the way of democratic development.