OSCE Chairman condemns use of force in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net
01.03.2008 16:44 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign
Minister Ilkka Kanerva, condemned the use of force against peaceful
demonstrators in Yerevan today.

"I urge the authorities to use maximum restraint. I am troubled that
there are reports of casualties. I urge the authorities to release
those detained, and I again call on the government and the opposition
to engage in dialogue," the Minister said.

In meetings with Armenian officials in Yerevan on 26 February, the
Minister had said the OSCE was ready to continue helping the country
as it attempts to consolidate its democracy and address shortcomings
noted by OSCE and other observers during the 19 February presidential
election process.

"The OSCE considers dialogue central to stability. At this important
stage in Armenia’s development, everything should be done to avoid
any escalation of tension," said Minister Kanerva, who also visited
Azerbaijan and Georgia during his visit to the South Caucasus this
week, the OSCE Yerevan Mission said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress