Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
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PRESS RELEASE
March 3, 2008
Contact: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY MOURNS THE LOSS OF LIFE AND URGES ALL SIDES TO
MAINTAIN PEACE AND ORDER
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America joins with Armenians
around the world in mourning the senseless loss of life as a result of
the violence that erupted in Yerevan on March 1, 2008. We extend our
deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones.
We reiterate the points made in our prior statement (attached below)
in which we called upon all parties to adhere "to the rule of law and
to refrain from violence," as well as to ensure that the media will
cover the events as they take place with fairness and balance.
At this critical juncture, Armenia’s young democracy faces a crucial
test. We hope that the authorities will lift the state of emergency
as soon as possible. We urge all parties to work within the legal
framework and welcome the steps taken that led to the de-escalation of
violence. We urge all sides to maintain peace and order, and urge in
the strongest terms that the resumption of violence be avoided at all
costs. With the legal process now underway before the Constitutional
Court, we urge that the independence of the judicial process be upheld
and that the integrity of the Court be maintained for the good of the
Armenian people. (Our website contains more information
about the Constitutional Court process.)
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3)
tax-exempt membership organization.
NR#2008-026
Editor’s Note: Below is the Assembly Statement on Post-Election
Developments from February 29, 2008.
FEBRUARY 29TH ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY STATEMENT ON POST-ELECTION
DEVELOPMENTS IN ARMENIA
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America continues to closely
monitor the ongoing developments that are unfolding in Armenia
following the February 19th presidential election and has received
calls from across the country expressing concern and the need to
ensure that all parties adhere to the rule of law and refrain from
violence.
The Armenian Assembly notes the concerns raised by our members and
supporters. We have posted election-related statements and
evaluations from around the world on our website, and plan to update
this information regularly. We believe that free, fair and democratic
elections are critical to the future of the Republic of Armenia and
congratulate the people for their carrying out their rights before,
during and after the elections. All Armenians benefit when elections
are conducted in accordance with international standards and norms.
This period will serve as a crucial test for Armenia’s young
democracy. The issues that have emerged will require great attention,
of which an impartial judicial process and the integrity of the
Constitutional Court will also be essential. We urge that all
election-related issues raised by voters and observers be addressed.
We further urge all sides to maintain peace and order, and in
strongest terms, urge all parties to refrain from resorting to
violence. We are confident that the authorities will act in accordance
with the best interests of the Armenian people.
Furthermore, while we welcome third party acknowledgment of
improvements in Armenia’s election process, we recognize that the true
judgment rests with its citizenry. Active participation of any
electorate is a strong indication of the desire for and commitment to
democracy. Armenians chose democracy 20 years ago during the Karabakh
movement and continue this choice for freedom and democracy today.
We expect that in a democracy, voters would be free from intimidation
and that public television and the media would fairly report and cover
the election process. Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of
democracy.
The future of Armenia is too important and no one can afford to take a
step backwards.