ALCEE L. HASTINGS: MARCH EVENTS DAMAGED ARMENIA’S IMAGE

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.04.2008 15:31 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Although the OSCE observation mission’s report
described the Armenian February 19 presidential election as "mostly
in line with international standards," majority of the republic’s
population took the streets to protest election outcomes, said chairman
of the U.S. Helsinki Commission.

"Clashes with law enforces resulted in human losses.

The events damaged badly Armenia’s international image," Alcee
L. Hastings said during the "Armenia after the Election" hearing.

For his part, Vigen Sargsyan, advisor to the RA President, said
that the authorities are willing to open political dialogue with
the opposition and that all those responsible for the disorders will
be punished.

Meanwhile, Arman Grigoryan, spokesman for Armenia’s first President
Levon Ter-Petrosyan, said the opposition doesn’t recognize Serzh
Sargsyan as the country’s leader, since the election was badly marred.

Grigoryan also urged the RA authorities to release opposition
supporters.