YEREVAN, April 19. /ARKA/. The Delegation of the European Union and EU Member State Embassies in Armenia, reacting to the current civil unrest in Armenia, have issued a statement.

“Constitutional changes to transform Armenia into a parliamentary Republic have been followed by the inauguration of President Armen Sarkissian on 9 April and the election of Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan on 17 April,” they say in their statement. 

“The Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between Armenia and the European Union was unanimously ratified by the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia on 11 April.  

In this context, the European Union trusts that Armenia will make renewed efforts to pursue an inclusive reform process towards strengthening democracy, human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, including the independence of judiciary.”

According to the statement, the European Union is closely following ongoing developments in Yerevan and other cities. 

“Citizens have a legitimate right to exercise freedom of assembly in a peaceful manner and in accordance with the law. State authorities have a duty to ensure public safety and health by applying the law in a fair and proportionate manner. It is important that all parties involved continue to show restraint and responsibility.

The European Union stands ready to continue working in partnership with state institutions and civil society, supporting Armenia on its path towards democratic and economic reforms for the benefit of the citizens.”

On Tuesday, the Armenian National Assembly has elected ex-president Serzh Sargsyan as prime minister.
As many as 77 MPs voted for him and 17 against.  

Serzh Sargsyan was the only candidate for the prime-ministerial post. He was nominated by the ruling Republican Party of Armenia and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation/Dashnaktsutiun. 

Mass protests broke out in Yerevan on April 13, which developed into civil unrest. On April 17, Nikol Pashinyan announced the beginning of a velvet revolution, which will rid the country of Serzh Sargsyan’s regime, and protesters blockaded buildings of government establishments. 

He warned people against responding to the provocations ordered for hindering the peaceful course of the protests and trigger clashes between protesters and the police. –0—