AGO monitoring group calls on leadership and opposition to political dialogue

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ago monitoring group of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has sent six proposals to the Armenian government for stabilization of the domestic situation, Ago group head, Swedish Ambassador to the Council of Europe Per Sjögren said at a joint news conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian.



"The document calls on Armenia to return to democracy track. We propose to release all political prisoners. The Justice Ministry and Prosecutor General's office have assured us that all cases will be considered within shortest terms," he said.



"We believe that the Council of Europe should be informed about 102 arrested. AGO group calls for an impartial and fair investigation into the March 1 events, at that the Armenian government could offer international organizations a possibility to join the investigation."



Mr Sjögren said the amendments to the law on rallies and marches are undemocratic. "These amendments were adopted without consultations with the Venice Commission, which has already issued remarks. We call on the leadership and opposition to political dialogue," he said.



For his part, Minister Oskanian said proposals are meant to stabilize the internal political situation in Armenia. "We think the initiative positive. As to dismissal of several MFA employees, it was done in compliance with the Armenian legislation," he said.