INVESTIGATION OF MARCH 1 EVENTS REMAINS ARMENIA’S COMMITMENT
By A. Haroutiunian
AZG Armenian Daily
16/04/2008
Human Rights
During the yesterday session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe, among numerous other issues, was discussed the
2007 report on human rights. The report was represented by Human
Rights Commissioner Thomas Hammerberg.
In a later interview the Commissioner said that the Council of Europe
expects the Government of the Republic of Armenia to answer if it is
willing to cooperate with the CE in the investigation of the March
1 events.
The Council of Europe had suggested Armenia to start an independent
and transparent investigation of the matter. "I don’t think that the
international public can force Armenia to hold such investigation. We
can only suggest and give advice. The authorities of Armenia are
expected top give a certain answer, what kind of contribution they
expect from the Council of Europe. We can offer expert assistance,"
said Human Rights Commissioner Hammerberger.
The CE representative also said that he can make no professional
statement about the detentions after March 1. He only reminded that
the position of the Council of Europe remains the same: no one must
be detained for his/her political ideas.