Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis on the
declaration of the state of emergency in Yerevan

Strasbourg, 2 March 2008, "I am very concerned about the latest
developments in Yerevan and the declaration of the state of
emergency. I am shocked to learn that at least 8 people have been
killed, and I call on the authorities to investigate all these
deaths and the allegations of excessive use of force. Obviously,
the investigations should focus on finding the perpetrators of crimes
and should not be used to harass political opponents.

Both the authorities and the opposition should do everything they
can to prevent any further violence.

I hope that the state of emergency will be lifted very soon.

Meanwhile, I call on the authorities to review the justification for
the restrictions imposed – especially on media, political parties and
non-governmental organisations. These restrictions are an obstacle
to political dialogue, which is the only way to find a political
solution to the present situation.

The state of emergency suspends the application of several rights and
freedoms protected by the European Convention on Human Rights. Under
Article 15 of the Convention the Armenian Government must inform me
of the measures which it has taken and the reasons therefor. I expect
that they will do so without any delay."

Press Release
Council of Europe Press Division
Ref: 147a08
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
pressunit@coe.int
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