HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ARMY IN ARMENIA FOCUS OF DISCUSSION ORGANIZED BY OSCE OFFICE
OSCE.org
Nov 29 2006
YEREVAN, 28 November, 2006 – Conscientious objectors, alternative
military service and civil society oversight of the armed forces were
the key topics of a discussion organized today by the OSCE Office in
Yerevan and the Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation Armenia.
"Democratization of the armed forces is important to protect human
rights," said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office
in Yerevan. "We welcome the steps already taken by the Armenian
Government in this respect. However, there is still some need for
improvement and today’s meeting aims to contribute to this process."
About 30 participants from the Ministries of Defence, Justice, Foreign
Affairs, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Ombudsman Office, the Department
for National Minorities, civil society and the international community
assessed the implementation of the Armenian Law on Alternative Service.
Participants suggested several ways to bring Armenian legislation in
line with European standards. Civil society representatives presented
a concept of co-operation with the Defence Ministry for monitoring
the Armed Forces.
The OSCE Office will continue to support the Armenian Government
and civil society in this regard by following the conclusions of
the meeting.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
