Hastings Hopes for Yerevan to Invite OSCE to Observe Referendum

PanARMENIAN.Net - OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President, U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings called on the Armenian authorities Wednesday to ask the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to observe their upcoming constitutional referendum. "My great hope is that we will be invited, and if we are, then we are prepared to send a small team to work on the November [27] referendum," he said. "The OSCE mandate simply does not require observing the course of referendum, but we will immediately fulfill that mission. However, if you remember, the process of reforms was arranged under the aegis of the Council of Europe and the CE has already stated it will send a group of observers to Armenia. The opposition will mark the absence of OSCE observers as lack of Government intention to hold a transparent referendum. I think if the government is interested in having the perception of legitimacy of their election, regardless of outcome, they would undertake to invite [OSCE observers]," A. Hastings is sure.



US intends to implement a program worth $6 million to promote fair parliamentary election in Armenia in 2007 and presidential election in 2008. Speaking of the experience of past elections in Armenia, Alcee Hastings said, "The problems mentioned are a peculiar lesson and I am not the only person to feel the politic will to hold good elections in 2007-2008. If you want to have investments, you demonstrate the level of stability in the country to investors, and among issues investors pay attention to is the rule of law, independent judicial system and division of power. Taking this into account I think Armenian authorities understand these dynamics."



In his words, Armenia should learn on the electoral shortcomings in other countries in addition to the experience of holding the referendum, which should be free, fair and transparent. «As for the coming election in Armenia, as the President has stated he will not propose his candidacy, I think the election will be transparent and efficient,» he remarked. Speaking of regional issues the US Congressman stated, «I hope that Armenia will some time settle relations with Turkey, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict will be settled and Armenia and Azerbaijan will become full democratic states and will cooperate, as well as relations between the international community and Iran will be arranged. After all, peace issues from interests of all countries,» reported RFE/RL.