US DIPLOMATS URGE FREE AND FAIR ELECTION IN ARMENIA

Armenia TV, Yerevan
15 Mar 07

[Correspondent] The improvement of voter lists, organization of
elections, ensuring an awareness of election commissions, fact-finding
visits aimed at learning election practices of other countries,
raising an awareness of voters, organizing classes about legal issues
in elections, financing NGOs in election and observance of elections
by local and international officials are general elements through
which the US government will assist to improve the election activity
in Armenia.

[US charge d’affaires in Armenia Anthony Godfree, in English with
Armenian voice-over] The USA has been assisting Armenia for some time
in improving the election activity in the country within the framework
of its programme to help develop democracy. Working with the [Armenian]
government and social workers, we are ready to help Armenia to make
speedy improvement. We see the necessary opportunities for that.

[A man identified as USAID mission director for Armenia, in English
with Armenian voice-over] This programme differs from previous ones
by its content. We will work with representatives of different strata
of society to ensure justice in election.

[Correspondent] The new election guidelines and the improved
constitution give opportunity for better cooperation, Anthony Godfree
said. He added that cooperation involved both government organizations
and NGOs.

[Anthony Godfree] We attach particular importance to seminars on
investigating an election fraud. The seminars are under way. Polls
show that Armenians are worried about lack of investigation of an
election fraud.

[Correspondent] Anthony Godfree says that not only the international
community should be concerned about voter lists. The voters should
be active in this as well. All our programmes are objective, Godfree
says, adding that this time the work will also be done for further
improvement.

[USAID mission director for Armenia] We have already allocated funds
to some NGOs that will observe the election thoroughly. An awareness
of voters and the participation of passive groups should be encouraged.

[Correspondent] The Millennium Challenge programme has no intention
to replace other aid provided by the US government. The aid of
the USA within the Freedom Support Act has been insufficient for
some countries. Armenia is lucky to receive assistance through
the Millennium Challenge programme which is important to improve
infrastructure, Godfree said.

He added that a free and fair election is very important for continuous
participation in the programme. The US representatives said that a fair
election will make Armenia more powerful. Godfree said that if everyone
shows responsibility, this election will be a substantial improvement.