THE PRESIDENT RECEIVES THE COMMISSIONER

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on July 16, 2008
Armenia

Yesterday President Serge Sargsyan received Council of Europe Human
Rights Commissioner Tomas Hammerberg.

The President said the authorities have studied PACE resolution
1609 and 1620 and are determined to implement it. He appreciated the
efforts of the Commissioner directed to the solution of the problems
faced by Armenia.

Considering both resolutions as important starting points, Tomas
Hammerberg touched upon the report to be delivered by himself in
the monitoring committee of September 11. He put special emphases on
three key issues.

The first issue is about holding rallies, demonstrations and protest
marches. The Human Rights Commissioner appreciated the cooperation
with Venice Committee in this direction, the implemented legislative
amendments and attached great importance to properly enforcing law.

The second issue is about the investigation of March 1
developments. The Human Rights Commissioner says it must be
independent, transparent and trustworthy. He proposed to feel the
difference between collecting the facts and assessing the facts.

Emphasizing the readiness of Armenia’s ruling authorities to conduct
objective, complete and impartial investigation, President Serge
Sargsyan also attached great importance to having comprehensive facts
and complete picture of what happened, as well as, the involvement
of the inter national experts in these works.

The Human Rights Commissioner touched upon the issue of the detainees
as well. In this regard the President assured that the law enforcers
would charge only those who have participated in the violence.