Armenians Disappointed with Situation

Angus Reid Global Scan, Canada
July 11 2006

July 11, 2006

– Many residents of Armenia are dissatisfied with the current state
of affairs, according to a poll by Baltic Surveys released by the
International Republican Institute. 55 per cent of respondents believe
things in the country are headed in the wrong direction.

The Republic of Armenia declared it independence at the end of World
War I, but was incorporated into the Soviet Union in the 1920s.

Armenia regained its sovereignty in 1991 after the collapse of the
Soviet Union.

Armenian president Robert Kocharyan was re-elected to a new four-year
term in March 2003 in a ballot marred by fraud allegations. In
November, voters overwhelmingly approved a series of constitutional
amendments, which limit presidential powers.

Earlier this month, Kocharian expressed satisfaction with the changes,
saying, "They open new prospects for the comprehensive development
of our country and people, ensure more balance activities of various
branches of government, and boost respect for human rights."

In March, Armenia’s unemployment level dropped to 7.6 per cent.

Polling Data

Do you think things in Armenia are going in the…

Right direction 32%

Wrong direction 55%

Not sure / No answer 13%

Source: Baltic Surveys / International Republican Institute
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 1,200 Armenian adults,
conducted from Apr. 30 to May 8, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

useaction/viewItem/itemID/12501