Interfax News Agency, Russia
Feb 15 2008

OSCE/ODIHR observers praise Armenian electoral campaign

YEREVAN. Feb 15 (Interfax) – Observers of the OSCE Office for
Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) have in general
hailed the Armenian electoral campaign in an interim report on
Friday.

The campaigns of candidates for the presidency are covered by the
Armenian media "in a positive and neutral manner, () the candidates’
total coverage time was more equitable than in the previous reporting
period," the interim report from January 27 throughout February 9
says.

According to the report, "the coverage of [former President] Levon
Ter-Petrosian contained many critical remarks in various broadcast
media."

Moreover, "unrest occurred at two of Ter-Petrosian’s events [campaign
rallies]," the report says.

The OSCE/ODIHR is aware of "five incidents in which party or
candidate premises have been damaged either through vandalism,
shooting or possible arson," the document says.

The OSCE/ODIHR electoral monitoring mission in Armenia consists of 40
short-range and 260 long-rang observers. ar rp