March 15, 2008 - 15:06 AMT
Matt Bryza: Armenia and U.S. should work at rehabilitation and development of democracy
The events in Armenia claimed human lives. It's a tragedy and a serious blow on democracy, said Matthew Bryza, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

"The election had gone beyond normal process. It doesn't matter how we call this but the United States and Armenia should work together to rehabilitate democracy. I think it's real," he said.

"We appreciate adherence to our common American-Armenian strategic interests and values. Being a developing democracy, Armenia was included in the Millennium Challenge Account. However, the recent development cast a shadow on solidity of Armenian democracy. We call on the government to restore freedom of media, lift the state of emergency and establish dialogue with the public," he said.

"The U.S. companies can function in any state, which promotes democracy and rule of law," he added, VOA News reports.