US Urges Armenian Government to Investigate Referendum Shortcomings

PanARMENIAN.Net - The US has stated that «the content of the provisions presented at the referendum can crate opportunities for strengthening democracy in Armenia,» says a statement of the US State Department Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. «We share the regret of the Council of Europe, whose observers seriously question the data on the number of people, who had taken part in the constitutional referendum, presented by the Armenian Government. We also regret that the Armenian Government decided not to invite OSCE/ODIHR, who would be able to provide for a higher degree of confidence towards the vote returns. We urge the Government of Armenia to investigate all cases of serious abuse and violations the Council of Europe observers have indicated. Apparently before the parliamentary and presidential election in 2007 and 2008 the election system needs to be improved,» says a statement of the US State Department Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.