White House doesn't possess reliable information on Yerevan March 1, 2 eventsApril 18, 2008 - 14:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The George Bush administration puts the blame for March disorders on the Armenian government. Addressing the congressional bi-partisan commission on security and cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Mr. Matthew J. Bryza said that although the White House doesn't possess reliable information on the March 1 and 2 events, which resulted in 10 deaths, the Bush administration puts the blame on the Armenian government. "Washington stands for an unbiased investigation of the events when the authorities used force to restore order in the capital," he said. The diplomat called on the Armenian authorities "to take action to restore democratic development and to release detained opposition supporters, whose number reaches 100-110." He also warned about suspension of the Millennium Challenge Account in case Yerevan fails to meet the U.S. demands. For his part, Alcee L. Hastings, chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, said the March events "seriously damaged" Armenia's international image. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin suggested that the Bush administration head international efforts for independent investigation into the tragic events, Izvestia reports. On March 1 ongoing opposition rallies resulted in a melee that claimed lives of 8 people and injured over 200. Then-President Robert Kocharian imposed 20-day state of emergency in Yerevan to restore public order. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. Ruling MPs, Foreign Minister talk Armenia-Azerbaijan processes MOs from the ruling Civil Contract party met with the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in the Armenian parliament. Russia: Armenia’s frozen membership weakens CSTO position in Caucasus A Russian envoy said any step that could alienate the CSTO member states from each other is “deeply wrong”. |