13 April 2004
U.S. Concerned About Political Tensions in Armenia
Boucher cites escalation in government-opposition confrontations
The United States is concerned about current political tensions in Armenia
and has called on the government and the opposition to avoid violence, to
respect the role of peaceful assembly, and to “enter into a dialogue that
will lessen tension and focus the political process on the challenges of
continued political and economic reform.”
Following is a statement by State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher:
(begin text)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
April 13, 2004
Statement by Richard Boucher, Spokesman
POLITICAL UNREST IN ARMENIA
The United States is concerned about the current political situation in
Armenia, particularly the sharp escalation in confrontation between the
government and the opposition. We call on both sides to enter into a
dialogue that will lessen tension and focus the political process on the
challenges of continued political and economic reform. Physical assaults,
raids on political party offices and widespread arrests and detentions of
opposition activists by the police do not contribute to creating an
atmosphere conducive to political dialogue. We call on all sides to respect
the role of peaceful assembly and to take all steps to prevent violence.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: )
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