Joseph Pennigton refutes hearsay about U.S. attempt to carry out 'color revolution' in ArmeniaMarch 28, 2008 - 14:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. is seriously concerned about the post-election situation in Armenia and tragic events of March 1 and 2 which ended in imposition of emergency rule, arrests and media freedom limitations, Joseph Pennington, U.S. charge d'affaires in Armenia, told a news conference today."Armenia and the U.S. enjoy warm and friendly relations. We have examined the situation and now express our concern. However, Armenia should itself decide on the ways to resolve the crisis and come back to democracy track," he said. "In his statements President-elect Serzh Sargsyan demonstrates willingness to continue democratic reforms," he noted. Mr Pennigton voiced concern about arrests and tensions. "Only those who committed illegal acts should be punished. People who expressed their political will via protest actions should not be treated the same way," he said. "Armenia needs time to restore stability and the U.S. administration will close watch the steps the President-elect will take. The diplomat refutes hearsay about U.S. attempt to carry out a 'color revolution' in Armenia. "The problems emerged in Armenia and they should be addressed," he said, adding that the U.S. was not offered to hold an independent investigation into the March 1 and 2 events. Top stories Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Partner news | Armenia: Protesters march to parliament, some spend the night on street The protesters did not disperse despite heavy rain that began at around 2 a.m. local time. Concept to complete Yerevan Cascade discussed at city hall A conceptual proposal to complete the Cascade complex in downtown Yerevan has been presented by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Pashinyan visits flood-hit region Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday, June 8 visited the disaster area in the Lori province. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State to travel to Armenia Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs James C. O’Brien will travel to Yerevan on June 10-12. |