NORMAL ELECTIONS NO DOUBT WILL RAISE REPUTATION OF ARMENIA IN WORLD, AAA REGIONAL DIRECTOR DECLARES

Noyan Tapan
Feb 08 2007

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 8, NOYAN TAPAN. "Unfair elections may hamper
development of Armenian-American relations. A point of view has
been already voiced, according to which non-correspondence of
parliamentary elections to democratic norms may have a negative impact
on implementation of Millennium Challenge program. Arpi Vardanian,
Regional Director of Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), declared
this at the February 8 press conference. In her words, Armenia has a
possibility to hold normal elections, which no doubt "will raise its
reputation in the world." As regards different viewpoints in Armenian
lobbying organizations in the issue of appointment of Richard Hoagland
to the post of U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, A.Vardanian mentioned
difference only in approaches.

"Hampering to Ambassador’s appointment does not have any impact on
the policy of U.S. administration which, in our opinion, should be
changed. Former Ambassador John Evans’ statement about the Armenian
Genocide was against the policy of Bush’s administration and we greet
this brave step," AAA Regional Director said. As regards reduction
of amount of assistance to Armenia by U.S. administration in the
new financial year, A.Vardanian assured that when discussing this
issue in Congress the Armenian lobbying organizations will manage to
raise the amount of aid intended for Armenia. The same, in her words,
regards preservation of parity of military aid provided to Armenia and
Azerbaijan. As regards construction of Kars-Akhalkalak-Tbilisi-Baku
railway transport corridor bypassing Armenia, A.Vardanian declared:
"I do not think that everything will finish with the construction of
this corridor. Everything should be done for restoring the operation of
Kars-Gyumri road, otherwise Armenia will remain in transport blockade."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress