Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
March 16 2008

Matthew Bryza: Presidential elections in Armenia dropped out of
normal process

[ 16 Mar 2008 13:34 ]

USA – APA. Last developments in Iravan shadow Armenian democracy,
said Matthew Bryza, US Deputy Secretary of State in his interview
with Voice of America. He called violence in Iravan tragic.

`There was bloodshed there, people have been killed. It is hard blow
on the democracy. Presidential elections have dropped out of normal
process and no matter how to call it’. As regards of US role in the
South Caucasus, including Armenia, Bryza said: ‘Armenia keeps close
ties with Russia and Russian companies made huge investments in
Armenia, but it is not important. It is important that Armenia and
USA are loyal to the common strategic values and interests. Armenia
has been involved in Millennium Challenge Program
for its democratic achievements. However last developments in Iravan
shadow the strengthening of Armenian democracy. We call on Armenian
government to lift state of emergency, to restore freedoms of speech
and press and to launch wide dialogue with the community’.