JOSEPH PENNIGTON REFUTES HEARSAY ABOUT U.S. ATTEMPT TO CARRY OUT ‘COLOR REVOLUTION’ IN ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
28.03.2008 14:10 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The U.S. is seriously concerned about the
post-election situation in Armenia and tragic events of March 1 and 2
which ended in imposition of emergency rule, arrests and media freedom
limitations, Joseph Pennington, U.S. charge d’affaires in Armenia,
told a news conference today.

"Armenia and the U.S. enjoy warm and friendly relations. We have
examined the situation and now express our concern. However, Armenia
should itself decide on the ways to resolve the crisis and come back
to democracy track," he said.

"In his statements President-elect Serzh Sargsyan demonstrates
willingness to continue democratic reforms," he noted.

Mr Pennigton voiced concern about arrests and tensions. "Only those
who committed illegal acts should be punished. People who expressed
their political will via protest actions should not be treated the
same way," he said. "Armenia needs time to restore stability and the
U.S. administration will close watch the steps the President-elect
will take.

The diplomat refutes hearsay about U.S. attempt to carry out a ‘color
revolution’ in Armenia. "The problems emerged in Armenia and they
should be addressed," he said, adding that the U.S. was not offered
to hold an independent investigation into the March 1 and 2 events.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress