Tuesday, March 04, 2008
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY MOURNS THE LOSS OF LIFE AND URGES ALL SIDES TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND ORDER
Washington, DC - The Armenian Assembly of America joins with Armenians around the world in mourning the senseless loss of life as a result of the violence that erupted in Yerevan on March 1, 2008. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones.
We reiterate the points made in our prior statement (attached below) in which we called upon all parties to adhere “to the rule of law and to refrain from violence,” as well as to ensure that the media will cover the events as they take place with fairness and balance.
At this critical juncture, Armenia’s young democracy faces a crucial test. We hope that the authorities will lift the state of emergency as soon as possible. We urge all parties to work within the legal framework and welcome the steps taken that led to the de-escalation of violence. We urge all sides to maintain peace and order, and urge in the strongest terms that the resumption of violence be avoided at all costs. With the legal process now underway before the Constitutional Court, we urge that the independence of the judicial process be upheld and that the integrity of the Court be maintained for the good of the Armenian people. (Our website http://www.aaainc.org contains more information about the Constitutional Court process.)
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
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Editor’s Note: Below is the Assembly Statement on Post-Election Developments from February 29, 2008.
FEBRUARY 29TH ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY STATEMENT ON POST-ELECTION DEVELOPMENTS IN ARMENIA
Washington, DC - The Armenian Assembly of America continues to closely monitor the ongoing developments that are unfolding in Armenia following the February 19th presidential election and has received calls from across the country expressing concern and the need to ensure that all parties adhere to the rule of law and refrain from violence.
The Armenian Assembly notes the concerns raised by our members and supporters. We have posted election-related statements and evaluations from around the world on our website, and plan to update this information regularly. We believe that free, fair and democratic elections are critical to the future of the Republic of Armenia and congratulate the people for their carrying out their rights before, during and after the elections. All Armenians benefit when elections are conducted in accordance with international standards and norms.
This period will serve as a crucial test for Armenia’s young democracy. The issues that have emerged will require great attention, of which an impartial judicial process and the integrity of the Constitutional Court will also be essential. We urge that all election-related issues raised by voters and observers be addressed. We further urge all sides to maintain peace and order, and in strongest terms, urge all parties to refrain from resorting to violence. We are confident that the authorities will act in accordance with the best interests of the Armenian people.
Furthermore, while we welcome third party acknowledgment of improvements in Armenia’s election process, we recognize that the true judgment rests with its citizenry. Active participation of any electorate is a strong indication of the desire for and commitment to democracy. Armenians chose democracy 20 years ago during the Karabakh movement and continue this choice for freedom and democracy today.
We expect that in a democracy, voters would be free from intimidation and that public television and the media would fairly report and cover the election process. Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy.
The future of Armenia is too important and no one can afford to take a step backwards.
