USA URGES ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT TRANSPARENT INVESTIGATION INTO MARCH EVENTS IN YEREVAN

ARKA
Oct 3, 2008

YEREVAN, October 3. /ARKA/. The USA urges Armenian Government to
conduct open and transparent investigation into March events in
Yerevan and make a fair decision on the matter, the U.S. Ambassador
to Armenia Marie L.Yovanovich told a press conference.

Yovanovich pointed out the U.S. concerns about political prisoners. She
said she has already expressed this concern to the Armenian Government.

Any government should distinguish between restrictions on freedom of
speech and illegal violent actions against some people, Yovanovich
said.

She also said that she cannot comment on the situation in detail as
she has insufficient information about the March 1-2 events. Yet,
she stressed importance to prompt settlement of the matter.

On June 16, am ad-hoc parliament commission was set up in Armenia for
investigation of March 1-2 events. Currently the commission consists
of two members from each parliament faction and one independent
deputy.