COE SEC. GEN. CALLS ON ARMENIAN POLITICAL FORCES FOR DIALOGUE
PanARMENIAN.Net
03.03.2008 17:30 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "I am very concerned about the latest developments
in Yerevan and the declaration of the state of emergency. I am shocked
to learn that at least 8 people have been killed, and I call on the
authorities to investigate all these deaths and the allegations of
excessive use of force. Obviously, the investigations should focus on
finding the perpetrators of crimes and should not be used to harass
political opponents," said a statement by Secretary General of the
Council of Europe, Mr Terry Davis.
"Both the authorities and the opposition should do everything they
can to prevent any further violence.
"I hope that the state of emergency will be lifted very
soon. Meanwhile, I call on the authorities to review the justification
for the restrictions imposed – especially on media, political parties
and non-governmental organizations. These restrictions are an obstacle
to political dialogue, which is the only way to find a political
solution to the present situation.
"The state of emergency suspends the application of several rights and
freedoms protected by the European Convention on Human Rights. Under
Article 15 of the Convention the Armenian Government must inform me of
the measures which it has taken and the reasons therefore. I expect
that they will do so without any delay," the Council of Europe press
division reports.