US CHARGE D’AFFAIRES HOPES THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS WILL REGISTER PROGRESS
armradio.am
17.12.2007 16:59
US Charge d’Affaires Joseph Pennington expressed hope that the
presidential elections of 2008 will improve as compared to the
parliamentary elections of May 12.
The American diplomat told today’s briefing that the United States
and the international community have recognized that the parliamentary
elections held in May, 2007 registered progress and they wish to see
this trend continue.
Joseph Pennington reminded that preceding the parliamentary elections
the USAID had launched a program for assistance to free and fair
elections, which will continue up until the presidential elections
of 2008.
Under this program a preliminary agreement has been reached on the
conduct of exit polls on February 19. "We were pleased with the fact
that the Armenian Prime Minister publicly supported this initiative,
which is called to strengthen the voter’s trust in elections," Joseph
Pennington said.
The American diplomat noted that the US attaches great importance to
the activity of the Armenian media and provision of equal conditions
to all candidates. According to Mr. Pennington, following the activity
of the Armenian mass media, it will be possible to make judgments
about the quality of the upcoming elections.