US SHARPLY CONDEMNS ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN ON OPPOSITION
The Associated Press
March 11, 2008
WASHINGTON: A senior U.S. official who recently returned from Armenia
sharply condemned a government crackdown on protests following last
month’s presidential election.
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza also raised
concern about the recent arrests of government opponents close to
former president Levon Ter-Petrosian.
The government declared a 20-day state of emergency on March 1 after
clashes between protesters and police left eight people dead and
dozens injured.
"The violence really was deplorable," Bryza told The Associated Press
Monday. "It seems clear that the reaction by the government was harsh
and brutal."
Following the Feb. 19 vote, election officials declared Prime Minister
Serge Sarkisian the winner over Ter-Petrosian, who appealed, claiming
fraud, and organized protests. On Saturday, the Constitutional Court
rejected the appeal. Ter-Petrosian has vowed further protest after
the state of emergency is lifted.
Today in Americas New York governor linked to sex ring as a
clientSpitzer allegations send wave of shockObama rejects suggestion
that he lower his sightsOn Friday Bryza met with Sarkisian and
Ter-Petrosian, as well as current President Robert Kocharian. He said
he urged the government leaders to lift the state of emergency and
take steps to speed democratic reforms. He said he also urged both
sides to open a discussion of how to end the crisis.
The United States is frustrated by the arrests of opponents since
his meetings in Armenia, Bryza said.
"It is not only frustrating that the government has imposed
restrictions on independent media and left in place a state of
emergency, but also that it has stepped up arrests of opposition
leaders," he said. "It is crucial that the arrest of opposition
figures stops."
He added that he sees some efforts by the government to diffuse the
situation, pointing to Sarkisian meeting recently with some of the
protesters, who were hospitalized following the violence.
On Monday, Kocharian issued an order allowing political parties to
resume some activities, though a ban on mass gatherings and harsh
controls on the media remained in place.
Bryza also called on the government to investigate and prosecute all
those from the opposition or the government, who violated election
laws and unlawfully used violence.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
