COUNCIL OF EUROPE SECRETARY GENERAL REGRETS LACK OF PROGRESS IN INVESTIGATION IN ARMENIA
Trend News Agency
Jan 27 2009
Azerbaijan
Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis stated his regret that
the investigations into the conflicts after the Armenian presidential
election are progressing slowly.
"I have quite a precise understanding of the situation in
Armenia. There has been no progress in the investigations since March
1," Davis told reporters on Jan. 27.
The Armenian opposition launched mass demonstrations in Yerevan on
Feb. 20 to protest the presidential election in February and Serzh
Sarkisyan’s victory.
The demonstrators clashed with law enforcement agencies on March 1.
Dozens of people died and 265 were injured.
Armenian has been told to release political prisoners arrested during
the event and investigate the incident.
Armenia has yet to fulfill the demands.
Davis said he is concerned over the situation in Armenia.
"When I ask the Armenian authorities about the investigation, they
say the commission is busy. There is no need for a commission if
there are the police," Davis said.
Davis added that he regrets the Armenian culture minister’s refusal
to attend a summit in Baku.
"The dialogue should not only be held between presidents and
ministers. Officials of the two countries should also be involved,"
Davis said.
The minister turned down an invitation to attend a meeting of European
culture ministers in Baku in December 2008.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress